CFOA Newshttp://www.mycfoa.com/
CFOA blog postsCFOAWild Apricot - membership management software and moreenThu, 24 May 2018 05:35:48 GMTThu, 24 May 2018 05:35:48 GMTSat, 19 May 2018 01:32:09 GMTRequest for Comments: Limited Opening of Recreational and Commercial Red Snapper Fishery in South Atlantic Federal Waters<p align="left"><font style="font-size: 12px;" color="#000000" face="Helvetica"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">NOAA Fisheries requests comments on Amendment 43 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region (Amendment 43). The proposed actions would specify recreational and commercial annual catch limits for red snapper beginning in 2018. &nbsp;</span></font></p>
<p align="left"><a href="http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/fishery_bulletins/2018/032/index.html" target="_blank">Read More</a>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></p>
<p><br></p>http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/6243148
http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/6243148Scott SampsonFri, 05 Jan 2018 01:09:47 GMTPublic Hearings Scheduled for Atlantic Cobia Management<p><span style="background-color: rgb(238, 238, 238);"><font color="#000000" face="Cambria, Georgia, Times New Roman, serif">Fishermen and others interested in the management of Atlantic cobia are encouraged to provide recommendations to members of the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council as they consider revising the current management system for the stock. Public hearings will be held via webinar with public listening stations from Jan. 22 - Jan. 24. Written comments will also be accepted.</font></span><br></p>
<p><a href="http://safmc.net/safmc-meetings/public-hearings-scoping-meetings/" target="_blank">Learn More</a></p>http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/5662397
http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/5662397Scott SampsonWed, 29 Nov 2017 04:33:18 GMTRed Snapper opening Dec 8,9,10 in Atlantic waters<ul>
<li>The recreational harvest of red snapper in South Atlantic federal waters will reopen for three days in December 2017.<strong>&nbsp;</strong>Recreational harvest will&nbsp;<strong>reopen 12:01 a.m. (local time) on December 8, 2017, and close 12:01 a.m. (local time) on December 11, 2017</strong>.&nbsp; During the three-day reopening, the recreational bag limit for red snapper is one fish per person per day with no minimum size limit.&nbsp;</li>
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<font color="#373737" face="Open Sans"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><a href="http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/fishery_bulletins/2017/071/FB17-071.html" target="_blank">More information</a></span></font>
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<p><br></p>http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/5605439
http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/5605439Scott SampsonMon, 02 Oct 2017 13:20:12 GMTCouncil Requests Harvest of Red Snapper in 2017 and 2018<p><font color="#3B3B3B" face="Ubuntu">Members of the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council voted today to approve a request to NOAA Fisheries that would allow fishermen access to red snapper in federal waters in the South Atlantic beginning in mid-to late October this year.&nbsp; If approved by NOAA Fisheries, it will be the first time since 2014 that the red snapper fishery has been open in federal waters off the coasts of the Carolinas, Georgia, and the east coast of Florida. The Council is requesting that NOAA Fisheries allow an interim annual catch limit (recreational and commercial) of 42,510 fish for 2017 via an emergency rule. The annual catch limit would allow for a recreational mini-season likely beginning the end of October, with approximately 6 to 12 days of fishing over a period of 3-day weekends. The recreational bag limit would be 1 fish per person/day with no minimum size limit. Commercial harvest would be allowed with a 75-pound trip limit. The recreational sector is allocated 71.93% of the total catch limit. If the Council’s request is approved, the number of days and specific dates of the recreational mini-season will be determined by NOAA Fisheries. A decision is expected in the coming weeks and will be announced by NOAA Fisheries.</font></p>
<p><a href="http://safmc.net/news-releases/092517-safmc-news-release-council-requests-harvest-of-red-snapper-in-2017-and-2018/" target="_blank">Read More</a><br></p>
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<p><br></p>http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/5290683
http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/5290683Tue, 08 Aug 2017 12:41:48 GMTVolusia County Marine Wildlife and Artificial Fishing Reef Program Update<blockquote>
<p><font style="font-size: 12px;" face="Helvetica"><font style="font-size: 12px;" face="Helvetica"><img src="http://www.mycfoa.com/resources/Pictures/news/volusia_county_artificial_reef_lady_philomena.jpg" alt="" title="" border="0" width="133" height="95" align="left" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;">Volusia County&nbsp;recently acquired&nbsp;two large steel vessels that will be reefed&nbsp;in the coming months.</font></font></p>
<p><font style="font-size: 12px;" face="Helvetica"><font style="font-size: 12px;" face="Helvetica">The 150' M/V Lady Philomena, photos attached and video link below.</font></font></p>
<p><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8VcA5occXxuUi1IVEx5YmZ6QW8/view?usp=drive_web"><font style="font-size: 12px;" face="Helvetica"><font style="font-size: 12px;" face="Helvetica">https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8VcA5occXxuUi1IVEx5YmZ6QW8/view?usp=drive_web</font></font></a></p>
<p><font style="font-size: 12px;" face="Helvetica"><font style="font-size: 12px;" face="Helvetica">And the 90' Tug Everglades, photos attached and video link below.</font></font></p>
<p><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxtjpZGFz1FwODRsd01XdTdjQzg/view"><font style="font-size: 12px;" face="Helvetica"><font style="font-size: 12px;" face="Helvetica">https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxtjpZGFz1FwODRsd01XdTdjQzg/view</font></font></a></p>
<p><font style="font-size: 12px;" face="Helvetica"><font style="font-size: 12px;" face="Helvetica">The M/V Lady Philomena was donated to the county for reefing&nbsp;by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection service after having been seized with contraband in the Miami River.</font></font><span>&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><font style="font-size: 12px;" face="Helvetica"><font style="font-size: 12px;" face="Helvetica"><img src="http://www.mycfoa.com/resources/Pictures/news/volusia_county_artificial_reef_starboard_bow.jpg" alt="" title="" border="0" width="133" height="100" align="right" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px;">The Tug Everglades was offered to the county for reefing by the shipyard where the M/V Lady Philomena was moored.&nbsp;</font></font></p>
<p><font style="font-size: 12px;" face="Helvetica"><font style="font-size: 12px;" face="Helvetica">Both vessels are currently being cleaned for ocean disposal and will be sunk together at artificial reef Site 12-SW adjacent to an existing large concrete culvert and structure reef.</font></font></p>
<p><font style="font-size: 12px;" face="Helvetica"><font style="font-size: 12px;" face="Helvetica">This reef deployment&nbsp;will create a dynamic fishing and diving site that will&nbsp;provide habitat for&nbsp;a wide range of fish and invertebrate species.</font></font></p>
<p><font style="font-size: 12px;" face="Helvetica"><font style="font-size: 12px;" face="Helvetica">Also, mooring balls will be placed on the Flagler and Sunglow nearshore artificial reef areas around the same time as the ship deployment.</font></font><span>&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><font style="font-size: 12px;" face="Helvetica"><font style="font-size: 12px;" face="Helvetica">I will keep you posted as these projects move forward.</font></font></p>
<p><font style="font-size: 12px;" face="Helvetica"><font style="font-size: 12px;" face="Helvetica">Thank you for your support of the&nbsp;Volusia County Marine Wildlife and Artificial Fishing Reef Program and have a great weekend.</font></font></p>
<p><span style="">Joe Nolin</span></p>
<p><span style="">Project Manager</span></p>
<p><span style="">Volusia County Coastal Division</span></p><font style="font-size: 12px;" face="Helvetica"><font style="font-size: 12px;" face="Helvetica"><br></font></font>
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<p><br></p>http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/5018362
http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/5018362Scott SampsonThu, 08 Jun 2017 20:23:21 GMTCitizen scientists needed for FWC barotrauma tool study<p><font style="font-size: 12px;" color="#000000" face="Helvetica"><strong><font face="Arial, sans-serif">Do you fish for reef fish like snapper or grouper?</font></strong><font face="Arial, sans-serif">&nbsp;The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is seeking volunteer anglers and charter/headboat captains to take part in a descending-device citizen science study. Descending devices are tools used to recompress the swim bladder and increase a fish’s chance of survival when they cannot be kept and are experiencing barotrauma (swim bladder expansion when a fish is brought up from depths greater than 50 feet). Signs of barotrauma include the stomach coming out of the mouth, bulging eyes, bloated belly and distended intestines.&nbsp;</font></font></p>
<p><font face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12px;" color="#000000">As a citizen science partner, you will test a descending device and help identify the benefits and drawbacks of using this tool when fishing in deeper waters. The information from all participants will be pooled to identify why some anglers might not use these tools. Your valuable feedback will be used to inform and improve efforts to increase the survival of caught and released reef fish.&nbsp;</font></p>
<p><font style="font-size: 12px;" color="#000000" face="Helvetica"><font face="Arial, sans-serif">To participate, prospective participants must first answer&nbsp;</font><a href="http://links.govdelivery.com/track?type=click&amp;enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTcwNjA4Ljc0MzM4MDIxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDE3MDYwOC43NDMzODAyMSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE3MTg0OTA1JmVtYWlsaWQ9c2NvdHRAZmlzaGluZ21hc3Rlci5jb20mdXNlcmlkPXNjb3R0QGZpc2hpbmdtYXN0ZXIuY29tJmZsPSZleHRyYT1NdWx0aXZhcmlhdGVJZD0mJiY=&amp;&amp;&amp;101&amp;&amp;&amp;https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XK55MJV"><font face="Arial, sans-serif">general screening questions</font></a><font face="Arial, sans-serif">. Randomly-selected participants will then watch a tutorial on descending devices, complete an initial evaluation, and test a descending device during the trial period from July 1, through Sept. 30, 2017. When the trial period ends, participants must complete a detailed post-evaluation about their experience by Oct. 15. Preliminary results of the evaluation will be available in late 2017.</font></font></p>
<p><font style="font-size: 12px;" color="#000000" face="Helvetica"><font face="Arial, sans-serif">To apply for an opportunity to participate in this study, visit&nbsp;</font><a href="http://links.govdelivery.com/track?type=click&amp;enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTcwNjA4Ljc0MzM4MDIxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDE3MDYwOC43NDMzODAyMSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE3MTg0OTA1JmVtYWlsaWQ9c2NvdHRAZmlzaGluZ21hc3Rlci5jb20mdXNlcmlkPXNjb3R0QGZpc2hpbmdtYXN0ZXIuY29tJmZsPSZleHRyYT1NdWx0aXZhcmlhdGVJZD0mJiY=&amp;&amp;&amp;102&amp;&amp;&amp;http://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XK55MJV"><font face="Arial, sans-serif">www.surveymonkey.com/r/XK55MJV</font></a><font face="Arial, sans-serif">.&nbsp; To learn more about barotrauma, visit our&nbsp;</font><a href="http://links.govdelivery.com/track?type=click&amp;enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTcwNjA4Ljc0MzM4MDIxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDE3MDYwOC43NDMzODAyMSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE3MTg0OTA1JmVtYWlsaWQ9c2NvdHRAZmlzaGluZ21hc3Rlci5jb20mdXNlcmlkPXNjb3R0QGZpc2hpbmdtYXN0ZXIuY29tJmZsPSZleHRyYT1NdWx0aXZhcmlhdGVJZD0mJiY=&amp;&amp;&amp;103&amp;&amp;&amp;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wDsrzlh83I"><font face="Arial, sans-serif">YouTube channel</font></a><font face="Arial, sans-serif">&nbsp;at&nbsp;<a href="http://myfwc.com/SaltwaterFishing">MyFWC.com/SaltwaterFishing</a>. &nbsp;For additional information, call 850-487-0554 or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Marine@MyFWC.com">Marine@MyFWC.com</a>.</font></font></p>
<p><font face="Arial, sans-serif"><br></font></p>http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/4888215
http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/4888215Scott SampsonWed, 15 Mar 2017 04:33:51 GMTSenator Shelby Leads the Way for Better Gulf Red Snapper Data<p><strong><font color="#555555" face="Roboto, sans-serif">March 14, 2017 – Alexandria, Va.</font></strong><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#555555" face="Roboto, sans-serif">&nbsp;– Due to an effort by Senator Richard Shelby (R-Ala.), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will provide a&nbsp;</font></span><a href="http://masgc.org/red-snapper/rfp" data-cke-saved-href="http://masgc.org/red-snapper/rfp"><font color="#0067B1" face="Roboto, sans-serif">competitive grant&nbsp;</font></a><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#555555" face="Roboto, sans-serif">toward innovative Gulf of Mexico reef fish survey assessments and technologies.&nbsp;</font></span> <span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#555555" face="Roboto, sans-serif">The&nbsp;</font></span><a href="http://www.asafishing.org/" data-cke-saved-href="http://www.asafishing.org"><font color="#0067B1" face="Roboto, sans-serif">American Sportfishing Association</font></a><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font color="#555555" face="Roboto, sans-serif">&nbsp;(ASA) today praised this new program, which it believes will result in a more accurate estimate of the Gulf red snapper and lead to improved fishing access. This $9.5 million grant program was authored by Senator Shelby and directed by the Congress in the 2016 Appropriations Act.</font></span><br></p>
<p><a href="http://asafishing.org/senator-shelby-leads-way-better-gulf-red-snapper-data/" target="_blank">Read More</a></p>http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/4667248
http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/4667248Scott SampsonMon, 30 Jan 2017 13:34:40 GMTOyster Bay Shoreline Stabilization Event follow-up<p>Letter from Dr. Walters, (UCF):</p>
<p></p>
<p>Thank you everyone for a great shoreline stabilization day on Saturday!</p>
<p></p>
<p>We had 62 people present, including 8 boats, to stabilize severely eroded shoreline at Canaveral National Seashore’s Oyster Bay site that is culturally and historically important to all of us.</p>
<p>In addition to being a prehistoric shell midden of unique importance, it was also the location of a 16th century shipwreck of French explorers.</p>
<p></p>
<p>We completed 200 meters of stabilization on Saturday – a new record for us for a site only accessible by boat!</p>
<p>Funding for this effort came from the National Park Service, CCA, the Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and the National Science Foundation, with in-kind support from the Marine Discovery Center, the Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program, and, of course, everyone with boats. Thank you all! Science-based stabilization is essential to protecting our lagoon into the future!</p>
<p>Finally – we thank CCA and Frank Gidus for providing lunch for everyone and Greg Harrison, also CCA, for the amazing brownies!</p>
<p></p>
<p>We have ongoing Oyster Bay stabilization work days planned for: February 25, March 25, and April 22. Please join us if you can – we especially hope to make April 22 our next BIG volunteer event day (it is also Earth Day)!</p>
<p></p>
<p>Best wishes,</p>
<p>Linda Walters</p>
<p><br></p>http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/4575492
http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/4575492Scott SampsonTue, 17 Jan 2017 20:10:12 GMTSAFMC News Release: Council Seeks Applicants for Federal Fishery Advisory Panels ; Deadline to Apply is February 10, 2017<p>NEWS RELEASE&nbsp; FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 17, 2017 (PDF - click here) Download AP application CONTACT:&nbsp; Kim Iverson/Public Information Officer/843-571-4366/kim.iverson@safmc.net [hr] Council Seeks Applicants for Federal Fishery Advisory Panels The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council is currently soliciting applicants for open advisory panel seats. Working at the grass roots level, advisory panel members provide information…<br></p>
<p><a href="http://safmc.net/news-releases/11717-safmc-news-release-open-advisory-panel-seats/" target="_blank">Read More</a><br></p>http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/4562343
http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/4562343Scott SampsonThu, 22 Dec 2016 20:01:05 GMTSportfishing coalition comments on controversial South Atlantic dolphin management measures<p><a href="http://www.joincca.org/articles/828" target="_blank">Read Full Story</a><br></p>http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/4562338
http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/4562338Scott SampsonThu, 17 Nov 2016 20:05:58 GMTFWC sets new barracuda size limits for south Florida<p>At its November meeting in St. Petersburg, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) set new barracuda size limits.</p>
<p>These changes will apply in state and federal waters off Collier, Monroe, Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Martin counties only and include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Creating a recreational and commercial slot limit of 15 to 36 inches fork length.</li>
<li>Allowing the harvest of one fish larger than 36 inches per person or vessel per day, whichever is less.</li>
</ul>
<p>“I’m grateful to south Florida stakeholders for bringing this item forward and to staff’s efforts in gathering public input on this important Florida species so that these reasonable management actions could be taken today,” said Commissioner Robert Spottswood....</p>
<p><a href="http://myfwc.com/news/news-releases/2016/november/17/barracuda/" target="_blank">Read More</a><br></p>http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/4562341
http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/4562341Scott SampsonThu, 27 Oct 2016 20:02:16 GMTOld Dog, Same Tricks - When it comes to fisheries economics, NMFS just won’t learn.<p>et again, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has issued the <a href="http://www.st.nmfs.noaa.gov/commercial-fisheries/fus/fus15/materials">2015 Fisheries of the United States</a> and under reports the value of good fisheries management to the United States economy. While groups such as Coastal Conservation Association, American Sportfishing Association, Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation and Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership have advocated for the inclusion of the economic footprint of the recreational fishery alongside the economic footprint of the commercial industry, NMFS has only responded to this request by ignoring it....</p>
<p><a href="http://www.joincca.org/articles/822" target="_blank">Read More</a><br></p>http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/4562340
http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/4562340Scott SampsonFri, 09 Sep 2016 02:59:22 GMTMutton snapper management changes approved, effective Jan. 1<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
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<p>The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved several mutton snapper management changes at the September meeting in St. Augustine.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Changes will go into effect Jan. 1, 2017, and include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Increasing the recreational, commercial, importation and sale minimum size limits to 18 inches.</li>
<li>Reducing the recreational bag limit to five fish per person within the 10-fish snapper aggregate bag limit.</li>
<li>Replacing the May through June commercial trip limit in all state waters with a five-fish per person, per day limit from April through June in Atlantic state waters.</li>
<li>Establishing a 500-pound commercial trip limit for the remainder of the year (July through March) in Atlantic state waters.</li>
</ul>
<p>Public input from several workshops in February and August 2016 was considered by the FWC when making these changes. The Commission discussed but did not pursue special management actions for Western Dry Rocks, a well-known and popular mutton snapper spawning area southwest of Key West.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Though mutton snapper is not overfished or undergoing overfishing, the 2015 stock assessment indicated that the population is smaller than previously estimated. These regulation changes are intended to prevent exceeding the updated federal quota, or number of fish that can be harvested, and to also avoid potential early season closures.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>To <a href="http://links.govdelivery.com/track?type=click&amp;enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTYwOTA4LjYzNTE1MTExJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDE2MDkwOC42MzUxNTExMSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE3MDc0OTg4JmVtYWlsaWQ9c2NvdHRAZmlzaGluZ21hc3Rlci5jb20mdXNlcmlkPXNjb3R0QGZpc2hpbmdtYXN0ZXIuY29tJmZsPSZleHRyYT1NdWx0aXZhcmlhdGVJZD0mJiY=&amp;&amp;&amp;101&amp;&amp;&amp;http://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/snappers/">learn more</a>, visit <a href="http://myfwc.com/Fishing">MyFWC.com/Fishing</a> and click on “Saltwater Fishing,” “Recreational Regulations” and “Snappers.”</p>
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<p><br></p>http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/4235474
http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/4235474Scott SampsonFri, 09 Sep 2016 02:58:49 GMTFWC extends recreational red snapper season per Gov. Rick Scott’s request<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
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<p>Following a request from Gov. Rick Scott, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has expanded the recreational red snapper season in Gulf state waters by adding an additional seven days in November. The expanded open season dates will be Nov. 5 and 6; Nov. 11 and 12, which is Veteran’s Day weekend; and Nov. 25, 26 and 27, which is the Thanksgiving holiday. The Nov. 26 date is also a saltwater license-free fishing day. Recreational fishing in Gulf waters adds $7.6 billion annually to Florida’s economy.</p>
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<p><br></p>http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/4235473
http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/4235473Scott SampsonFri, 09 Sep 2016 02:57:50 GMTSeveral Atlantic gray triggerfish management measures approved at FWC meeting<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
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<p>At the September meeting in St. Augustine, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved several changes to gray triggerfish management in Atlantic state waters.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Temporary gray triggerfish changes were put into effect in November 2015 via an Executive Order set to expire in October 2016. The approved changes for gray triggerfish will put these temporary changes into rule as long-term management measures. Gray triggerfish changes include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Reducing the recreational and commercial minimum size limit in Atlantic state waters to 12 inches fork length.</li>
<li>Reducing the statewide importation and sale minimum size limit to 12 inches fork length.</li>
<li>Creating a recreational bag limit of 10 fish per person in Atlantic state waters.</li>
</ul>
<p>To learn more about <a href="http://links.govdelivery.com/track?type=click&amp;enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTYwOTA4LjYzNDg2ODAxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDE2MDkwOC42MzQ4NjgwMSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE3MDc0NjQ2JmVtYWlsaWQ9YnJ1Y2VhcmVpZEB5YWhvby5jb20mdXNlcmlkPWJydWNlYXJlaWRAeWFob28uY29tJmZsPSZleHRyYT1NdWx0aXZhcmlhdGVJZD0mJiY=&amp;&amp;&amp;101&amp;&amp;&amp;http://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/triggerfish/">gray triggerfish</a>, visit <a href="http://myfwc.com/Fishing">MyFWC.com/Fishing</a> and click on “Saltwater Fishing,” “Recreational Regulations” and “Triggerfish.”</p>
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<p><br></p>http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/4235472
http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/4235472Scott SampsonFri, 09 Sep 2016 02:53:24 GMTFWC expands fishing opportunities for black sea bass in Atlantic<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
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<p>At the September meeting in St. Augustine, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) expanded recreational fishing opportunities for black sea bass caught in Atlantic state waters and approved several other management changes.<br></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Recreational anglers will soon be able to take seven black sea bass per person, per day. The bag limit is currently five.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>The Commission also approved a management change requiring the buoy line attached to a commercial black sea bass trap fished or possessed in or on Atlantic state waters to meet federal seasonal marking requirements.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>These management measures are similar to recently approved and pending changes for Atlantic federal waters. The bag limit change went into effect on Aug. 12 in Atlantic federal waters.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>The effective date for changes to state waters is yet to be determined. A press release will be issued and the FWC website will be updated before these changes go into effect.</p>
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<p>To learn more about <a href="http://links.govdelivery.com/track?type=click&amp;enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTYwOTA4LjYzNDg3NTExJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDE2MDkwOC42MzQ4NzUxMSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE3MDc0NjUzJmVtYWlsaWQ9YnJ1Y2VhcmVpZEB5YWhvby5jb20mdXNlcmlkPWJydWNlYXJlaWRAeWFob28uY29tJmZsPSZleHRyYT1NdWx0aXZhcmlhdGVJZD0mJiY=&amp;&amp;&amp;101&amp;&amp;&amp;http://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/blackseabass/">black sea bass</a>, visit <a href="http://myfwc.com/Fishing">MyFWC.com/Fishing</a> and click on “Saltwater Fishing,” “Recreational Regulations” and “Black Sea Bass.”</p>
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<p><br></p>http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/4235471
http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/4235471Scott SampsonTue, 19 Jan 2016 15:53:59 GMTMutton snapper workshops scheduled for February<p><font style="font-size: 24px;" face="Arial, sans-serif">Mutton snapper workshops scheduled for February</font></p>
<p><font style="font-size: 16px;" color="#051930" face="Arial, sans-serif">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial, sans-serif">Fish for mutton snapper? Attend one of the upcoming mutton snapper workshop hosted in February by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). At these workshops, FWC staff will gather public input on the management of mutton snapper. Some workshops will be co-hosted by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (SAFMC).</font></p>
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<p><a href="http://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/FLFFWCC/bulletins/1311028" target="_blank"><font face="Arial, sans-serif">More Information</font></a></p>
<p><br></p>http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/3768178
http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/3768178Scott SampsonThu, 01 Oct 2015 23:02:37 GMT2015 CCA Orlando Banquet and Auction<span><font style="font-size: 13px;" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">The 29th annual Hell's Bay Boatworks CCA Orlando Banquet presented by Carl Black Orlando&nbsp;begins at 6:00 PM on Thursday, October 1st!</font></span><br>
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<span><font style="font-size: 13px;" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">We have a great venue, the Winter Park Community Center, conveniently located in downtown Winter Park, with free valet parking! Plus a terrific&nbsp; meal by Arthur's Catering. Add in open bar all night and this is going to be one party you do not want to miss!</font></span><br>
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<span><font style="font-size: 13px;" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">We will also be giving away a brand new&nbsp;Hell's Bay Glades Skiff that night!</font></span>
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<p><a href="http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=a84vyonab&amp;oeidk=a07eb98ptq466802e28" target="_blank">More Info</a></p>http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/3432390
http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/3432390Scott SampsonFri, 04 Sep 2015 23:11:28 GMTNearshore Reef Deployment UPdate<p><img src="http://www.mycfoa.com/Resources/Pictures/news/reef_update.jpg" title="" alt="" height="112" border="0" width="200">Chris Dembinsky has been visiting the nearshore sites on a weekly basis and recording amazing evidence of ecological succession at these brand new reefs.<br>
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Juvenile Gray Triggerfish, i.e, &lt; 8" in length were observed and near legal size Gray (Mangrove) Snapper were abundant.<br>
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Attached are images from the Flagler reef construction area.<img src="http://www.mycfoa.com/Resources/Pictures/news/reef_update2.jpg" title="" alt="" style="margin: 7px 7px 7px 7px;" height="140" align="right" border="0" width="200"><br>
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The Triggerfish are perhaps grazing on the barnacle growth on the reef structures.<br>
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Thanks for the photos Chris.<br>
&nbsp;<br></p>http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/3526675
http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/3526675Scott SampsonWed, 02 Sep 2015 22:56:43 GMTFWC passes new stone crab trap regulation In Southern Counties<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
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<p><img src="http://www.mycfoa.com/Resources/Pictures/news/myfwc_sonte_crab.jpg" title="" alt="" style="margin: 7px 7px 7px 7px;" height="150" align="right" border="0" width="200">At its September meeting in Fort Lauderdale, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) amended its stone crab trap regulations for stone crab traps used in Collier, Monroe and Miami-Dade counties.</p>
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<p>Beginning this year’s stone crab season, the use of round entrances (also known as throats or funnels) will no longer be allowed for stone crab traps used in state or federal waters off these three counties. The changes will also require that the rectangular or rounded rectangular entrances typically used in stone crab traps be no larger than 5½ by 3 1/8 inches at the most narrow portion of the opening.</p>
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<p>The changes will bring the gear regulations for these three counties more closely in line with the way the stone crab fishery has traditionally operated in the region and prevent the use of stone crab traps to target lobster. The FWC did not adopt any changes to the allowable size of the overall trap, although that had been considered previously.</p>
<p>The new measures related to configuration of the stone crab trap entrance will be effective Oct. 5.</p>
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<p><a href="http://links.govdelivery.com/track?type=click&amp;enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTUwOTAyLjQ4NjU0NjIxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDE1MDkwMi40ODY1NDYyMSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE2ODkxNzM2JmVtYWlsaWQ9bmF0aGFuaWFsam9uZXNAZ21haWwuY29tJnVzZXJpZD1uYXRoYW5pYWxqb25lc0BnbWFpbC5jb20mZmw9JmV4dHJhPU11bHRpdmFyaWF0ZUlkPSYmJg==&amp;&amp;&amp;102&amp;&amp;&amp;http://www.myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/"><span>more information</span></a></p>
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<p><br></p>http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/3526655
http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/3526655Scott SampsonThu, 09 Jul 2015 23:11:06 GMTGray Triggerfish Size Limit to Increase in Florida's Atlantic Waters July 9<font face="Times">At its April 15 meeting in Tallahassee, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved increasing the minimum size limit of gray triggerfish in Atlantic state waters from 12 inches fork length to 14 inches fork length.</font>
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<p><font face="Times"><br></font></p><font face="Times">This change makes Atlantic state water regulations consistent with new federal regulations. The change also makes the minimum size limit for gray triggerfish in Atlantic state waters (from shore to 3 nautical miles) the same as it is in Gulf state waters (from shore to 9 nautical miles). This minimum size limit applies to both recreational and commercial harvest.</font>
<p><font face="Times"><br></font></p><font face="Times">For more information, visit <a href="http://MyFWC.com/About" target="_blank">MyFWC.com/About</a> and click on "The Commission" and "Commission Meetings." To learn more about gray triggerfish, visit <a href="http://MyFWC.com/Fishing" target="_blank">MyFWC.com/Fishing</a> and click on "Saltwater," "Recreational Regulations" and "Triggerfish."</font>
<p><br></p>http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/3432392
http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/3432392Scott SampsonWed, 01 Jul 2015 23:31:53 GMTDraft Blueprint for South Atlantic Snapper/Grouper Fishery Now Available<font face="Times">Fishery stakeholders asked to provide Council with input during a series of webinars and comment station meetings July 7 - 30, 2015.</font><br>
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<font face="Times">BACKGROUND</font><br>
<font face="Times">The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council is developing a long-term "vision" for managing the snapper grouper fishery. Looking for fresh ideas, the Council hit the road in 2014 to meet one-on-one with fishery stakeholders at port meetings throughout the region to hear what is and is not working in the fishery and solutions for managing the fishery in the future. Input received at these port meetings along with ideas from the Council members themselves were compiled to create a DRAFT VISION BLUEPRINT for the snapper grouper fishery.</font><br>
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<a href="http://www.safmc.net/resource-library/council-visioning-project" target="_blank">Learn More</a><br>
<p><br></p>http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/3432406
http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/3432406Scott SampsonSat, 13 Jun 2015 04:32:25 GMTFWC Marine Fisheries Survey<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
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<p>The FWC Division of Marine Fisheries Management is conducting a short survey to help determine priority areas for marine fisheries management projects.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>Marine fish and invertebrates are your resources.&nbsp;This is your opportunity to assist in the management of your resource.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>The survey will be available&nbsp;online through June 25.&nbsp;One survey per person.</p>
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<p>Have questions? Call Marine Fisheries at 850-487-0554 or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Marine@MyFWC.com" style="font-size: 10pt;">Marine@MyFWC.com</a><span style="">.</span></p>
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<p><a href="http://links.govdelivery.com/track?type=click&amp;enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTUwNjA0LjQ1NjI0OTUxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDE1MDYwNC40NTYyNDk1MSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE3NDc4MzU2JmVtYWlsaWQ9c2NvdHRAZmlzaGluZ21hc3Rlci5jb20mdXNlcmlkPXNjb3R0QGZpc2hpbmdtYXN0ZXIuY29tJmZsPSZleHRyYT1NdWx0aXZhcmlhdGVJZD0mJiY=&amp;&amp;&amp;101&amp;&amp;&amp;https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Marine-Fisheries" target="_blank">Take the Survey</a></p>
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<p><br></p>http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/3385072
http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/3385072Scott SampsonFri, 05 Jun 2015 17:25:40 GMTRed Snapper will NOT open this year, just announced<p>This comes as a surprise to all of us here at CFOA but NOAA just announced that Red Snapper will NOT be opening this year in the Southeast Atlantic.</p>
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<p>For more information:&nbsp;</p>
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<p><a href="http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/sustainable_fisheries/s_atl/sg/2015/red_snapper/index.html" target="_blank">http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/sustainable_fisheries/s_atl/sg/2015/red_snapper/index.html</a></p>http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/3376710
http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/3376710Scott SampsonFri, 05 Jun 2015 17:24:07 GMTTwo License-Free Fishing Weekends in June<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
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<p><strong>Saturday and Sunday, June 6-7</strong>, saltwater recreational fishing license requirement will be waived.</p>
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<p><strong>Saturday and Sunday, June 13-14</strong>, freshwater recreational fishing license requirement will be waived.</p>
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<p>For more info&nbsp;<a href="http://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/FLFFWCC/bulletins/107c715" target="_blank">http://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/FLFFWCC/bulletins/107c715</a></p>
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<p><br></p>http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/3376707
http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/3376707Scott SampsonTue, 19 May 2015 02:03:09 GMTCFOA Supports The Vietnam War Commemoration<img src="http://www.mycfoa.com/Resources/Pictures/american_legion/Vietnam_War_Commemoration.png" title="" alt="" width="136" height="136" border="0" align="right" style="margin: 7px 7px 7px 7px;">CFOA wants to thank all the veterans out there for their service! &nbsp;We currently have many&nbsp;veterans in the club and wanted to help the American Legion spread the word. &nbsp;Currently they are....
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<p><a href="http://www.mycfoa.com/page-1846570">Read More</a></p>
<p><br></p>http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/3347662
http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/3347662Scott SampsonWed, 13 May 2015 02:50:24 GMTMay Social Recap - Joe Bielowski<p>We had a great meet up this past Monday. &nbsp;Trolling was the hot topic and Dolphin and Tuna seemed to be mentioned quite often. &nbsp;</p>
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<h2>Featured Speaker - Joe Bielowski</h2>
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<a href="http://www.mycfoa.com/Resources/Pictures/events/joe_bielawski_small.jpg" title="" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.mycfoa.com/Resources/Pictures/events/joe_bielawski_small.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="150" border="0" align="right" style="margin: 7px 7px 7px 7px;"></a>Our featured speaker was Joe Bielowski and you could tell he was very passionate about trolling. &nbsp;He covered many tips and techniques including the minute details that help make the difference. &nbsp;</p>
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<p>Some things I found interesting where how he used his teasers and where he placed them in the trolling spread. &nbsp;You can find many of these tips and more in his book <a href="http://www.ancientmarinertackle.com/my%20trolling%20book.html" target="_blank">Trolling Tips The Pros Don't Want You to Know</a>. &nbsp;</p>
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<img src="http://www.mycfoa.com/Resources/Pictures/events/Scott_Van_De_Houten_small.jpg" title="" alt="" width="150" height="200" border="0" align="left" style="margin: 7px 7px 7px 7px;">In our member spotlight Scott Van De Houten talked about how he trolls for Dolphin this time of year. &nbsp;He really likes using teasers to draw the fish in but the thing I found most interesting is that he always trolls naked ballyhoo on a light drag around the teasers. &nbsp;This is so if a sailfish grabs it, the light drag will allow the fish to eat the bait before you tighten it and set the hook. &nbsp;On the baits on the outriggers and shotgun he usually adds a skirt and has a tight drag to set the hook immediately.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>Don't miss out on the next member spotlight, these talks are great!</p>
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<p>The fishing reports were mostly covering the hot dolphin bite outside of port canaveral with some large fish being caught. &nbsp;We had some of our members take some adventures down south and added blackfin tuna from Marathon and Ft. Lauderdale. &nbsp;Add Wahoo, yellowtail, and amberjack to that keys report as well. &nbsp;These reports are another benefit of coming out to the meetings. &nbsp;Learn whats biting so you can capitalize on your next trip.</p>
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<h3>Monthly Raffle</h3>
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<p>The Raffle included some great trolling plugs, skirts and freestyle jigs along with a Redfish Extreme rod and reel combo donated from Bass Pro Shops Orlando. &nbsp;These raffles happen every social and are always a lot of fun!</p>
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<p>See you at the next Social!</p>http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/3347680
http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/3347680Scott SampsonTue, 12 May 2015 02:29:08 GMTCongratulations to Scott Sampson for winning the 2015 Cobia-Thon<p><img src="http://www.mycfoa.com/Resources/Pictures/events/scott_and_bruce_small.jpg" title="Scott Sampson (Left) receiving Cobia-Thon award from Bruce Reid" alt="Scott Sampson (Left) receiving Cobia-Thon award from Bruce Reid" width="200" height="135" border="0" align="left" style="margin: 7px 7px 7px 7px;">We would like to congratulate Scott Sampson for winning the 2015 Cobia-Thon and bringing the trophy back to the CFOA.&nbsp;<br></p>
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<p>With cobia being really tough this spring Scott managed to land the only Cobia of the tournament. &nbsp;That was a pretty impressive feat out of 33 boats!</p>
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<p><font face="arial, sans, WaWebKitSavedSpanIndex_0">When asked what he thought of the tournament win Scott replied, "Finding the only fish, is no different then finding the one big one. &nbsp;Its being prepared for the lucky find and trying to put the odds in your favor."</font></p>
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<p><br></p>http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/3347673
http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/3347673Scott SampsonFri, 01 May 2015 15:16:38 GMTGrouper fishing reopens May 1 in Atlantic, Monroe County waters<p><img src="http://www.mycfoa.com/Resources/Pictures/news/grouper_2008.jpg" title="" alt="" width="184" height="150" border="0" align="right" style="margin: 7px 7px 7px 7px;">Just a reminder that Grouper fishing in the Atlantic and Monroe County waters opens on May 1st. &nbsp;This is for state and federal waters. &nbsp;Please check the following sites for more information:</p>
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<li>State: <a href="http://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/groupers/" target="_blank">MyFWC</a></li>
<li>Federal: <a href="http://safmc.net/fish-id-and-regs/regulations-species#Species Regs" target="_blank">SAFMC</a></li>
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http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/3325566Scott SampsonFri, 14 Nov 2014 00:45:29 GMTGov. Scott reduces cost of Lifetime Sportsman’s License<p><font face="Arial"><font size="3">Today, Governor Rick Scott signed an executive order authorizing the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to offer Lifetime Sportsman’s Licenses for Florida children and young adults at a greatly reduced cost. The license now costs up to $1000 but from <span tabindex="0" class="aBn" data-term="goog_748683679"><span class="aQJ">Nov. 24 through Dec. 31, 2014</span></span>, the price will be reduced to $500 for Florida residents who are 21-years-old and younger. The lifetime license covers saltwater and freshwater recreational fishing, hunting and most associated permits. To view the executive order, click</font></font> <a href="http://links.govdelivery.com:80/track?type=click&amp;enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTQxMTEzLjM4MTU4OTIxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDE0MTExMy4zODE1ODkyMSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE3MjgyNTM4JmVtYWlsaWQ9bmF0aGFuaWFsam9uZXNAZ21haWwuY29tJnVzZXJpZD1uYXRoYW5pYWxqb25lc0BnbWFpbC5jb20mZmw9JmV4dHJhPU11bHRpdmFyaWF0ZUlkPSYmJg==&amp;&amp;&amp;101&amp;&amp;&amp;http://bit.ly/1xkGTTW" target="_blank"><span><font color="#0000EB" face="Arial" size="3">HERE</font></span></a><font size="3"><font face="Arial">.</font></font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Arial" size="3">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt"><font size="3"><font face="Arial">Governor Scott said, “Our state’s natural treasures give families wonderful opportunities for both fishing and hunting from the Panhandle to the Keys. This Lifetime Sportsman’s License will provide Florida’s youth with the opportunity to spend time outdoors with their families. Fishing and hunting are time-honored traditions in our state, and I encourage all Floridians to spend some time enjoying the great outdoors.”</font></font></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt"><font size="3"><font face="Arial">A Lifetime Sportsman’s License allows fishing and hunting in Florida for the rest of the license holder’s life, even if that person is no longer a resident of the state.</font></font></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Arial" size="3">The license may be purchased at all Florida county tax collectors’ offices, online at <a href="http://License.MyFWC.com" target="_blank">License.MyFWC.com</a> and by calling toll-free 888-FISH-FLORIDA (888-347-4356). Residency must be verified. For more information about a Lifetime Sportsman’s License and this limited time offer, visit</font> <a href="http://links.govdelivery.com:80/track?type=click&amp;enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTQxMTEzLjM4MTU4OTIxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDE0MTExMy4zODE1ODkyMSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE3MjgyNTM4JmVtYWlsaWQ9bmF0aGFuaWFsam9uZXNAZ21haWwuY29tJnVzZXJpZD1uYXRoYW5pYWxqb25lc0BnbWFpbC5jb20mZmw9JmV4dHJhPU11bHRpdmFyaWF0ZUlkPSYmJg==&amp;&amp;&amp;102&amp;&amp;&amp;http://myfwc.com/license/recreational/lifetime-licenses/" target="_blank"><span><font color="#0000EB" face="Arial" size="3">http://myfwc.com/license/<wbr>recreational/lifetime-<wbr>licenses/</font></span></a></p>http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/3150112
http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/3150112Thu, 11 Sep 2014 00:36:11 GMTFWC furthers lionfish control measures, prohibits lionfish aquaculture<p style="line-height:200%;text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 10pt"><span style="line-height:200%;font-family:'Arial','sans-serif';font-size:12pt">At a Sept. 10 meeting in Kissimmee, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) acted to prohibit lionfish aquaculture. Lionfish are an invasive species that have a negative impact on native fish and habitat.</span></p>
<p style="line-height:200%;text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 10pt"><span style="line-height:200%;font-family:'Arial','sans-serif';font-size:12pt">The changes will go into effect by <span tabindex="0" class="aBn" data-term="goog_1611659443"><span class="aQJ">Dec. 1</span></span>. Updates will be available at <a href="http://links.govdelivery.com:80/track?type=click&amp;enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTQwOTEwLjM1ODE4MTIxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDE0MDkxMC4zNTgxODEyMSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE3MTkxNzQxJmVtYWlsaWQ9bmF0aGFuaWFsam9uZXNAZ21haWwuY29tJnVzZXJpZD1uYXRoYW5pYWxqb25lc0BnbWFpbC5jb20mZmw9JmV4dHJhPU11bHRpdmFyaWF0ZUlkPSYmJg==&amp;&amp;&amp;102&amp;&amp;&amp;http://www.myfwc.com/Lionfish" target="_blank"><font color="#0000FF">MyFWC.com/Lionfish</font></a>.</span></p>
<p style="line-height:200%;text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 10pt"><span style="line-height:200%;font-family:'Arial','sans-serif';font-size:12pt">Management changes were developed in coordination with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) and include:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family:'Arial','sans-serif'"><font size="3">Prohibiting the harvest and possession of lionfish eggs and larvae for any purpose other than destruction;</font></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family:'Arial','sans-serif'"><font size="3">Prohibiting the intentional breeding of lionfish in captivity.</font></span></li>
</ul>
<p style="line-height:200%;text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 10pt"><span style="line-height:200%;font-family:'Arial','sans-serif';font-size:12pt">A scientific research exception will allow permitted research institutions to breed and cultivate lionfish for the purposes of researching population control and impact mitigation.</span></p>
<p style="line-height:200%;text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 10pt"><span style="line-height:200%;font-family:'Arial','sans-serif';font-size:12pt">“Every lionfish prevented from entering Florida waters, and every change that encourages removal is a step toward successfully limiting the negative impacts lionfish have on native fish and wildlife,” said FWC Executive Director Nick Wiley.</span></p>
<p style="line-height:200%;text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 10pt"><span style="line-height:200%;font-family:'Arial','sans-serif';font-size:12pt">The FWC implemented several management changes including prohibiting the importation of live lionfish into Florida effective <span tabindex="0" class="aBn" data-term="goog_1611659444"><span class="aQJ">Aug. 1</span></span>. The FWC encourages divers and anglers to remove lionfish whenever they can.</span></p>
<p style="line-height:200%;text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 10pt"><span style="line-height:200%;font-family:'Arial','sans-serif';font-size:12pt">See or catch a lionfish? Report a sighting by downloading the new <a href="http://links.govdelivery.com:80/track?type=click&amp;enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTQwOTEwLjM1ODE4MTIxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDE0MDkxMC4zNTgxODEyMSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE3MTkxNzQxJmVtYWlsaWQ9bmF0aGFuaWFsam9uZXNAZ21haWwuY29tJnVzZXJpZD1uYXRoYW5pYWxqb25lc0BnbWFpbC5jb20mZmw9JmV4dHJhPU11bHRpdmFyaWF0ZUlkPSYmJg==&amp;&amp;&amp;103&amp;&amp;&amp;http://www.myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/lionfish/report/#app" target="_blank"><font color="#0000FF">Report Florida Lionfish app</font></a> on a smart device or by visiting MyFWC.com/Lionfish and clicking on “<a href="http://links.govdelivery.com:80/track?type=click&amp;enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTQwOTEwLjM1ODE4MTIxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDE0MDkxMC4zNTgxODEyMSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE3MTkxNzQxJmVtYWlsaWQ9bmF0aGFuaWFsam9uZXNAZ21haWwuY29tJnVzZXJpZD1uYXRoYW5pYWxqb25lc0BnbWFpbC5jb20mZmw9JmV4dHJhPU11bHRpdmFyaWF0ZUlkPSYmJg==&amp;&amp;&amp;104&amp;&amp;&amp;http://www.myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/lionfish/report/" target="_blank"><font color="#0000FF">Report Lionfish</font></a>.”</span></p>
<p style="line-height:200%;text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 10pt"><span style="line-height:200%;font-family:'Arial','sans-serif';font-size:12pt">To <a href="http://links.govdelivery.com:80/track?type=click&amp;enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTQwOTEwLjM1ODE4MTIxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDE0MDkxMC4zNTgxODEyMSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE3MTkxNzQxJmVtYWlsaWQ9bmF0aGFuaWFsam9uZXNAZ21haWwuY29tJnVzZXJpZD1uYXRoYW5pYWxqb25lc0BnbWFpbC5jb20mZmw9JmV4dHJhPU11bHRpdmFyaWF0ZUlkPSYmJg==&amp;&amp;&amp;105&amp;&amp;&amp;http://www.myfwc.com/media/2865281/consent-agenda-item1-lionfish-aquaculture.pdf" target="_blank"><font color="#0000FF">learn more</font></a> about these changes, visit MyFWC.com/Commission and click on “Commission Meetings.” To <a href="http://links.govdelivery.com:80/track?type=click&amp;enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTQwOTEwLjM1ODE4MTIxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDE0MDkxMC4zNTgxODEyMSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE3MTkxNzQxJmVtYWlsaWQ9bmF0aGFuaWFsam9uZXNAZ21haWwuY29tJnVzZXJpZD1uYXRoYW5pYWxqb25lc0BnbWFpbC5jb20mZmw9JmV4dHJhPU11bHRpdmFyaWF0ZUlkPSYmJg==&amp;&amp;&amp;106&amp;&amp;&amp;http://www.myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/lionfish/" target="_blank"><font color="#0000FF">learn more about lionfish</font></a>, visit MyFWC.com/Lionfish.</span></p>http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/3096734
http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/3096734Wed, 07 May 2014 12:35:43 GMTStone crab season closes May 16<p style="line-height:200%;text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 0pt"><span style="line-height:200%;font-family:'Arial','sans-serif';font-size:12pt">The commercial and recreational harvest of stone crab claws in Florida closes on <span tabindex="0" class="aBn" data-term="goog_849079892"><span class="aQJ">May 16</span></span>, with the last day of harvest on <span tabindex="0" class="aBn" data-term="goog_849079894"><span class="aQJ">May 15</span></span>. This closure occurs each year during the species’ peak spawning season to help protect and sustain Florida’s valuable stone crab resource. Stone crab season will reopen on <span tabindex="0" class="aBn" data-term="goog_849079895"><span class="aQJ">Oct. 15</span></span>.</span></p>
<p style="line-height:200%;text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 0pt"><span style="line-height:200%;font-family:'Arial','sans-serif';font-size:12pt">Commercially harvested stone crab claws may be possessed and sold during the closed season but only if they have been placed in inventory prior to <span tabindex="0" class="aBn" data-term="goog_849079893"><span class="aQJ">May 16</span></span> by a licensed wholesale or retail dealer.</span></p>
<p style="line-height:200%;text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 0pt"><span style="line-height:200%;font-family:'Arial','sans-serif';font-size:12pt">Stone crab traps must be removed from the water within five days after the close of the stone crab season unless a special extension is granted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).</span></p>
<p style="line-height:200%;text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 0pt"><span style="line-height:200%;font-family:'Arial','sans-serif';font-size:12pt">Learn more about the <a href="http://links.govdelivery.com:80/track?type=click&amp;enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTQwNTA3LjMxOTU2MzMxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDE0MDUwNy4zMTk1NjMzMSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE3MDA5Mjc0JmVtYWlsaWQ9bmF0aGFuaWFsam9uZXNAZ21haWwuY29tJnVzZXJpZD1uYXRoYW5pYWxqb25lc0BnbWFpbC5jb20mZmw9JmV4dHJhPU11bHRpdmFyaWF0ZUlkPSYmJg==&amp;&amp;&amp;101&amp;&amp;&amp;http://www.myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/stone-crabs/" target="_blank"><font color="#0000FF">stone crab harvest</font></a> season by visiting MyFWC.com/Fishing and clicking on “Saltwater” and then either “Recreational Regulations” or “Commercial.”</span></p>http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/1549810
http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/1549810Mon, 21 Apr 2014 01:57:08 GMTGulf recreational red snapper season set<p style="line-height:150%;text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 10pt"><span style="line-height:150%;font-family:'Arial','sans-serif';font-size:12pt">The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) set the Gulf recreational red snapper season in state waters April 16 at a meeting near Tallahassee. The season will be a total of 52 days in 2014 and will start the Saturday before Memorial Day (<span tabindex="0" class="aBn" data-term="goog_717165275"><span class="aQJ">May 24</span></span> this year) and remain open through <span tabindex="0" class="aBn" data-term="goog_717165276"><span class="aQJ">July 14</span></span>, closing <span tabindex="0" class="aBn" data-term="goog_717165277"><span class="aQJ">July 15</span></span>.</span></p>
<p style="line-height:150%;text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 10pt"><span style="line-height:150%;font-family:'Arial','sans-serif';font-size:12pt">Starting the season the Saturday before Memorial Day will provide recreational red snapper fishing through an important holiday weekend, helping attract more visitors and bringing economic benefits to our coastal communities.</span></p>
<p style="line-height:150%;text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 10pt"><span style="line-height:150%;font-family:'Arial','sans-serif';font-size:12pt">The federal season is currently projected to be 11 days long, starting <span tabindex="0" class="aBn" data-term="goog_717165278"><span class="aQJ">June 1</span></span> and remaining open through <span tabindex="0" class="aBn" data-term="goog_717165279"><span class="aQJ">June 11</span></span>. This season is subject to change depending on projections by NOAA Fisheries for when the recreational red snapper quota may be caught.</span></p>
<p style="line-height:150%;text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 10pt"><span style="line-height:150%;font-family:'Arial','sans-serif';font-size:12pt">Florida state waters in the Gulf are from shore to 9 nautical miles. Federal waters extend from where state waters end, out to about 200 nautical miles.</span></p>
<p style="line-height:150%;text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 10pt"><span style="line-height:150%;font-family:'Arial','sans-serif';font-size:12pt">The daily bag limit will remain 2 per person in state and federal waters.</span></p>
<p style="line-height:150%;text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 10pt"><span style="line-height:150%;font-family:'Arial','sans-serif';font-size:12pt">To <a href="http://links.govdelivery.com:80/track?type=click&amp;enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTQwNDE2LjMxMzU1NjMxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDE0MDQxNi4zMTM1NTYzMSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE2OTgwMDg1JmVtYWlsaWQ9bmF0aGFuaWFsam9uZXNAZ21haWwuY29tJnVzZXJpZD1uYXRoYW5pYWxqb25lc0BnbWFpbC5jb20mZmw9JmV4dHJhPU11bHRpdmFyaWF0ZUlkPSYmJg==&amp;&amp;&amp;102&amp;&amp;&amp;http://www.myfwc.com/about/commission/commission-meetings/2014/april/15/agenda/" target="_blank"><font color="#0000FF">learn more about this agenda item</font></a>, visit MyFWC.com/Commission and click on “Commission Meetings.” To <a href="http://links.govdelivery.com:80/track?type=click&amp;enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTQwNDE2LjMxMzU1NjMxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDE0MDQxNi4zMTM1NTYzMSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE2OTgwMDg1JmVtYWlsaWQ9bmF0aGFuaWFsam9uZXNAZ21haWwuY29tJnVzZXJpZD1uYXRoYW5pYWxqb25lc0BnbWFpbC5jb20mZmw9JmV4dHJhPU11bHRpdmFyaWF0ZUlkPSYmJg==&amp;&amp;&amp;103&amp;&amp;&amp;http://www.myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/snappers/gulf-red-snapper/" target="_blank"><font color="#0000FF">learn more about recreational red snapper</font></a> fishing in the Gulf of Mexico, visit MyFWC.com/Fishing and click on “Saltwater,” “Recreational Regulations” and “Gulf Snapper.”</span></p>http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/1541110
http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/1541110Mon, 21 Apr 2014 01:55:09 GMTLionfish invasion: FWC moves forward with management changes<p style="line-height:150%;text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 10pt"><span style="line-height:150%;font-family:'Arial','sans-serif';font-size:12pt">The lionfish is an invasive species that threatens Florida’s native wildlife and habitat. With that in mind, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) on April 16 moved forward with steps to combat the spread of invasive lionfish.</span></p>
<p style="line-height:150%;text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 10pt"><span style="line-height:150%;font-family:'Arial','sans-serif';font-size:12pt">Changes proposed by FWC staff at today’s meeting near Tallahassee will be brought back before the Commission at its June meeting in Fort Myers for final approval. Changes include:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="line-height:150%;font-family:'Arial','sans-serif';font-size:12pt">Prohibiting the importation of live lionfish;</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height:150%;font-family:'Arial','sans-serif';font-size:12pt">Prohibiting the development of aquaculture of lionfish;</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height:150%;font-family:'Arial','sans-serif';font-size:12pt">Allowing the harvest of lionfish when diving with a rebreather, a device that recycles air and allows divers to remain in the water for longer periods of time; and</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height:150%;font-family:'Arial','sans-serif';font-size:12pt">Increasing opportunities that will allow participants in approved tournaments and other organized events to spear lionfish or other invasive species in areas where spearfishing is not allowed. This will be done through a permitting system.</span></li>
</ul>
<p style="line-height:150%;text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 10pt"><span style="line-height:150%;font-family:'Arial','sans-serif';font-size:12pt">Staff has been working with the Florida Legislature on a bill in support of the initiatives to prohibit the importation of live lionfish and the aquaculture of lionfish.</span></p>
<p style="line-height:150%;text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 10pt"><span style="line-height:150%;font-family:'Arial','sans-serif';font-size:12pt">“By targeting the importation of lionfish to our state, we can limit the number of new lionfish that find their way into Florida waters and, at the same time, encourage further harvest to reduce the existing invasive population,” said State Rep. Holly Raschein, sponsor of the House bill. “These fish pose a significant threat to Florida’s ecosystem, and I am proud to stand in support of the proposed ban. Anything we can do to limit new lionfish introductions and further facilitate the development of a commercial market for this invasive species is a step in the right direction.”</span></p>
<p style="line-height:150%;text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 10pt"><span style="line-height:150%;font-family:'Arial','sans-serif';font-size:12pt">Changes like these will make it easier for divers to remove lionfish from Florida waters and will help prevent additional introductions of lionfish into marine habitats.</span></p>
<p style="line-height:150%;text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 10pt"><span style="line-height:150%;font-family:'Arial','sans-serif';font-size:12pt">Lionfish control efforts, from outreach and education to regulatory changes, have been a priority for FWC staff. In 2013, they hosted the first ever Lionfish Summit, which brought together various stakeholders from the public as well as management and research fields to discuss the issues and brainstorm solutions. The changes proposed at today’s meeting came from ideas that were discussed at the Lionfish Summit.</span></p>
<p style="line-height:150%;text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 10pt"><span style="line-height:150%;font-family:'Arial','sans-serif';font-size:12pt">To <a href="http://links.govdelivery.com:80/track?type=click&amp;enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTQwNDE2LjMxMzY4MDUxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDE0MDQxNi4zMTM2ODA1MSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE2OTgwNDkyJmVtYWlsaWQ9bmF0aGFuaWFsam9uZXNAZ21haWwuY29tJnVzZXJpZD1uYXRoYW5pYWxqb25lc0BnbWFpbC5jb20mZmw9JmV4dHJhPU11bHRpdmFyaWF0ZUlkPSYmJg==&amp;&amp;&amp;102&amp;&amp;&amp;http://www.myfwc.com/about/commission/commission-meetings/2014/april/15/agenda/" target="_blank"><font color="#0000FF">learn more</font></a> about these changes, visit MyFWC.com/Commission and “Commission Meetings.” To <a href="http://links.govdelivery.com:80/track?type=click&amp;enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTQwNDE2LjMxMzY4MDUxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDE0MDQxNi4zMTM2ODA1MSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE2OTgwNDkyJmVtYWlsaWQ9bmF0aGFuaWFsam9uZXNAZ21haWwuY29tJnVzZXJpZD1uYXRoYW5pYWxqb25lc0BnbWFpbC5jb20mZmw9JmV4dHJhPU11bHRpdmFyaWF0ZUlkPSYmJg==&amp;&amp;&amp;103&amp;&amp;&amp;http://www.myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/lionfish/" target="_blank"><font color="#0000FF">learn more about lionfish</font></a>, visit MyFWC.com/Fishing and click on “Saltwater,” “Recreational Regulations” and “Lionfish.”</span></p>http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/1541109
http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/1541109Mon, 21 Apr 2014 01:53:19 GMTFlorida and Louisiana Join Texas In Fisheries Stand-Off<div>
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<div style="FONT-SIZE:12pt">
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<span style="FONT-FAMILY:'Arial',' Helvetica',' sans-serif';COLOR:#000000;FONT-SIZE:12pt">On April 10, the Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA) <a style="COLOR:blue;TEXT-DECORATION:underline" shape="rect" href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001b9ugQQiT3YsCkaZmEkuWCfpT24a2h_e2Xtm8vQExBi9WoCcHjL1rUekpuGBv0UZ6-yt6a7coT8Z0XtO4dWkSsl7W30Y2Nke1Oji3lHXSdl9yo9I8Vkor8kiT1IFt4akY0a-m13QqY7RdQ1eaGpWeuVN08jdIIy7w4uVKuAvhG7YFCZ-xJBZo9khALGxmCOWBBELj9Cx8GcbWNCMJYuHrG--wOnHJjqKjVJbPtTN9iXpGUKnIqsQNxg==&amp;c=fzaBVLtAIA0XwvBdfqdJokSV60iKRwfeUTZrxkuj9pZiT1unwPCcyw==&amp;ch=ro2Emnhmcr7RZvz-vEZMW9UvquIpEScuRXEfzsLUlx6wR13ohR8K6g==" target="_blank">sent a national bulletin</a> announcing that the Gulf of Mexico red snapper fishery had "all but closed" to recreational anglers. Citing a recent court decision brought about with help from Environmental Defense Fund, the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council asked NOAA Fisheries to implement more rigid restrictions in federal waters on the basis of 2013 recreational data collection results, moving to create an 11-day red snapper season in the Gulf.&nbsp;</span>
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<p style="MARGIN-TOP:0px;FONT-FAMILY:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;MARGIN-BOTTOM:0px;FONT-SIZE:12pt"><span>&nbsp;</span></p>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP:0px;FONT-FAMILY:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;MARGIN-BOTTOM:0px;FONT-SIZE:12pt"><span>RFA has pointed out that recreational red snapper seasons in the South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico have been significantly reduced every year following the 2006 reauthorization of the Magnuson Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. That federal law, which now incorporates rigid annual catch limits and punishing accountability measures on the recreational sector, also required that NOAA Fisheries rollout out a new recreational data collection program with improved survey methodologies as of January 1, 2009; that same year, scientific stock assessments proved that overfishing for red snapper had ended, however NOAA's&nbsp;use of old data methodologies forced the red snapper season to plummet to 53 days in 2010, ultimately falling to just 40 days by 2013.</span></p>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP:0px;FONT-FAMILY:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;MARGIN-BOTTOM:0px;FONT-SIZE:12pt"><span>&nbsp;</span></p>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP:0px;FONT-FAMILY:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;MARGIN-BOTTOM:0px;FONT-SIZE:12pt"><span>While NOAA staffers have testified before numerous Congressional committee meetings as to the fact that the federal deadline to fix the recreational methodologies has still not been met, the agency, with help from Environmental Defense Fund, is forcing federal waters to be virtually closed to red snapper.</span></p>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP:0px;FONT-FAMILY:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;MARGIN-BOTTOM:0px;FONT-SIZE:12pt"><span>&nbsp;</span></p>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP:0px;FONT-FAMILY:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;MARGIN-BOTTOM:0px;FONT-SIZE:12pt"><span>"Had NOAA attorneys simply told the truth in the Environmental Defense case, that they haven't made the required changes to the recreational data collection, perhaps the judge would've responded differently," said RFA executive director Jim Donofrio. "Federal agencies today can apparently do whatever they damn well please with support from the environmental community, and ultimately it's going to be up to states to stand up for their citizens, just like Governor Rick Scott of Florida."</span></p>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP:0px;FONT-FAMILY:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;MARGIN-BOTTOM:0px;FONT-SIZE:12pt"><span>&nbsp;</span></p>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP:0px;FONT-FAMILY:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;MARGIN-BOTTOM:0px;FONT-SIZE:12pt"><span>Donofrio <span tabindex="0" class="aBn" data-term="goog_717165271"><span class="aQJ">on Friday</span></span> praised Governor Scott for a letter sent to U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker on April 17th calling for more support for recreational fishermen and major a overhaul of the federal fisheries law.</span></p>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP:0px;FONT-FAMILY:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;MARGIN-BOTTOM:0px;FONT-SIZE:12pt"><span>&nbsp;</span></p>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP:0px;FONT-FAMILY:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;MARGIN-BOTTOM:0px;FONT-SIZE:12pt"><span>"I am very disappointed...in how the federal system has been managing red snapper and other fish stocks," Governor Scott wrote, adding "The Magnuson Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Act) lacks much needed flexibility."</span></p>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP:0px;FONT-FAMILY:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;MARGIN-BOTTOM:0px;FONT-SIZE:12pt"><span>&nbsp;</span></p>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP:0px;FONT-FAMILY:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;MARGIN-BOTTOM:0px;FONT-SIZE:12pt"><span>"The Act must be modified to allow more fishing opportunities, not less, as fish stocks improve," the governor added in his letter, which was also forwarded to 14 members of the House of Representatives and both U.S. Senators from Florida. Governor Scott also went on to describe for the Commerce Secretary how better stock assessments and recreational data collection are key to managing both recreational and commercial fisheries.</span></p>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP:0px;FONT-FAMILY:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;MARGIN-BOTTOM:0px;FONT-SIZE:12pt"><span>&nbsp;</span></p>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP:0px;FONT-FAMILY:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;MARGIN-BOTTOM:0px;FONT-SIZE:12pt"><span>"As this act is revised and reauthorized by Congress, I urge you to support amendments that incorporate more flexibility, more up-to-date data collection and seriously consider social and economic needs," said Governor Scott, while also adding "now is the time to fix what is broken and to turn disappointment and frustration into a success story for those who depend upon and enjoy our fisheries."</span></p>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP:0px;FONT-FAMILY:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;MARGIN-BOTTOM:0px;FONT-SIZE:12pt"><span>&nbsp;</span></p>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP:0px;FONT-FAMILY:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;MARGIN-BOTTOM:0px;FONT-SIZE:12pt"><em><a style="COLOR:blue;TEXT-DECORATION:underline" shape="rect" href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001b9ugQQiT3YsCkaZmEkuWCfpT24a2h_e2Xtm8vQExBi9WoCcHjL1rUekpuGBv0UZ6QB4fBlnJ-AG59Wn_oUSDbANzKdMHKLXVOK8DKJUVO75ldP882NlecinEN-qYU0xzj0x8BIcMe5kAXI7abVqoTvPjWi0a0UnTYBzPCDMfZfxzcWb-me4Fvbe-e_JhB5C-OElnNJ15GXPCeXLS_ERVH7QZ49z3_Oh1gRH9seXp5T2ZCOEorYoEXL2J9dUrR5UtCInvn8pdW8js9EuSykWJNQ==&amp;c=fzaBVLtAIA0XwvBdfqdJokSV60iKRwfeUTZrxkuj9pZiT1unwPCcyw==&amp;ch=ro2Emnhmcr7RZvz-vEZMW9UvquIpEScuRXEfzsLUlx6wR13ohR8K6g==" target="_blank">Click here too read Governor Scott's letter in full&nbsp;</a></em></p>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP:0px;FONT-FAMILY:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;MARGIN-BOTTOM:0px;FONT-SIZE:12pt"><span>&nbsp;</span></p>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP:0px;FONT-FAMILY:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;MARGIN-BOTTOM:0px;FONT-SIZE:12pt"><span>While an inflexible law, faulty data collection and deep-pocketed environmental lawyers continue to whittle away at federal rights, some states are responding defiantly on behalf of their constituents.</span></p>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP:0px;FONT-FAMILY:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;MARGIN-BOTTOM:0px;FONT-SIZE:12pt"><span>&nbsp;</span></p>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP:0px;FONT-FAMILY:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;MARGIN-BOTTOM:0px;FONT-SIZE:12pt"><span>The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) voted last week to set a 52-day red snapper season in state waters, opening up on <span tabindex="0" class="aBn" data-term="goog_717165272"><span class="aQJ">May 24th</span></span> and continuing through <span tabindex="0" class="aBn" data-term="goog_717165273"><span class="aQJ">July 14th</span></span> with a two fish bag limit out to 9 nautical miles from shore.</span></p>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP:0px;FONT-FAMILY:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;MARGIN-BOTTOM:0px;FONT-SIZE:12pt"><span>&nbsp;</span></p>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP:0px;FONT-FAMILY:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;MARGIN-BOTTOM:0px;FONT-SIZE:12pt"><span>The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries also announced that licensed saltwater anglers may harvest red snapper in state waters any day of the week until the end of the year with a two fish bag and 16-inch size limit. Louisiana officials are claiming state rights out to 10.35 miles.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP:0px;FONT-FAMILY:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;MARGIN-BOTTOM:0px;FONT-SIZE:12pt"><span>&nbsp;</span></p>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP:0px;FONT-FAMILY:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;MARGIN-BOTTOM:0px;FONT-SIZE:12pt"><span>Meanwhile, red snapper may be caught in Texas state waters all year long with a four fish bag limit and 15-inch size limit, though it's estimated that 95% of the state's annual harvest occurs in federal waters which extend beyond 9 miles from shore.</span></p>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP:0px;FONT-FAMILY:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;MARGIN-BOTTOM:0px;FONT-SIZE:12pt"><span>&nbsp;</span></p>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP:0px;FONT-FAMILY:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;MARGIN-BOTTOM:0px;FONT-SIZE:12pt"><span>Alabama's Marine Resources Director, Chris Blankenship, said he'd been in talks with Governor Robert Bentley about a course of action there, while all signs are that Mississippi will be apt to comply with the federal red snapper season in their state waters. Both of those states' have a 3-mile line for state waters.</span></p>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP:0px;FONT-FAMILY:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;MARGIN-BOTTOM:0px;FONT-SIZE:12pt"><span>&nbsp;</span></p>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP:0px;FONT-FAMILY:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;MARGIN-BOTTOM:0px;FONT-SIZE:12pt"><span>"We need a change in management of our fisheries," said Pam Anderson of Capt. Anderson's Marina in Panama City Beach, FL. "Our state fishery managers know we <span style="FONT-FAMILY:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif">must be protective of our resources. That is a given as far as all of us are concerned. But, they know that the NOAA data collection and modeling process is seriously flawed and they know the economic impact to their states matters."</span></span></p>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP:0px;FONT-FAMILY:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;MARGIN-BOTTOM:0px;FONT-SIZE:12pt"><span style="FONT-FAMILY:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP:0px;FONT-FAMILY:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;MARGIN-BOTTOM:0px;FONT-SIZE:12pt"><span>Anderson said the tone at the recent Gulf Council meeting setting the 11-day recreational season was noticeably anti-recreational. "The elation of the commercial operators and the enviro groups was over the top; high-fiving the potential economic losses planned for the recreational angling community, jeering at opposition like bullies in a middle school playground," she said.</span></p>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP:0px;FONT-FAMILY:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;MARGIN-BOTTOM:0px;FONT-SIZE:12pt"><span>&nbsp;</span></p>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP:0px;FONT-FAMILY:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;MARGIN-BOTTOM:0px;FONT-SIZE:12pt"><span>"Adding insult to injury, when discussing the negative economic impact on the recreational fishery, certain Council members likened recreational anglers to inerrant children who need to be punished, not given more candy," Anderson added.</span></p>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP:0px;FONT-FAMILY:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;MARGIN-BOTTOM:0px;FONT-SIZE:12pt"><span>&nbsp;</span></p>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP:0px;FONT-FAMILY:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;MARGIN-BOTTOM:0px;FONT-SIZE:12pt"><span>RFA board member Nate Odum owns Mexico Beach Marina- a Yamaha Outboard dealer, Sea Tow port and tackle shop- and he says he's very skeptical of what what's going on with fisheries management, noting how storms and high seas had a major impact on participation during the 2013 red snapper season, yet somehow NOAA Fisheries' data showed continued overharvest numbers.</span></p>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP:0px;FONT-FAMILY:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;MARGIN-BOTTOM:0px;FONT-SIZE:12pt"><span>&nbsp;</span></p>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP:0px;FONT-FAMILY:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;MARGIN-BOTTOM:0px;FONT-SIZE:12pt"><span>"The marina's bait and fuel sales reflected a significant drop in recreational fishing," Odum stated, adding "I am here every day, I have my fingers on the pulse of one of the finest red snapper fisheries in the Gulf and after 5 years, I have not been approached once for my input. So you tell me, are they serious about common sense, sound science and the factual collection of data?"</span></p>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP:0px;FONT-FAMILY:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;MARGIN-BOTTOM:0px;FONT-SIZE:12pt"><span>&nbsp;</span></p>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP:0px;FONT-FAMILY:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;MARGIN-BOTTOM:0px;FONT-SIZE:12pt"><span>NOAA Fisheries announced on April 7th that the agency would be developing a new national recreational fishing policy, but RFA's Donofrio said skepticism remains high in the recreational fishing community. "I hope the Commerce Department isn't putting forth any deadlines for this new angler friendly approach to management, we know from the data collection deadline what that would mean."</span></p>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP:0px;FONT-FAMILY:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;MARGIN-BOTTOM:0px;FONT-SIZE:12pt"><span>&nbsp;</span></p>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP:0px;FONT-FAMILY:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;MARGIN-BOTTOM:0px;FONT-SIZE:12pt"><span>"Based on what we have seen in the past two weeks at the federal level and within these regional council meetings, NOAA clearly isn't listening," Donofrio added</span></p>.
</div>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP:0px;MARGIN-BOTTOM:0px;FONT-SIZE:11pt"><span>&nbsp;</span></p><span style="FONT-SIZE:11pt">&nbsp;</span>
<div style="color:#003366;font-family:Trebuchet MS,Verdana,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:10pt;TEXT-ALIGN:left" align="left">
<b>About Recreational Fishing Alliance</b>
</div>
<div style="TEXT-ALIGN:justify" align="justify">
The Recreational Fishing Alliance is a national, grassroots political action organization representing recreational fishermen and the recreational fishing industry on marine fisheries issues. <em>The RFA Mission is to safeguard the rights of saltwater anglers, protect marine, boat and tackle industry jobs, and ensure the long-term sustainability of our Nation's saltwater fisheries</em>. For more information, call 888-JOIN-RFA or visit <a shape="rect" href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001b9ugQQiT3YsCkaZmEkuWCfpT24a2h_e2Xtm8vQExBi9WoCcHjL1rUZ8EfMI_bc7_TfawMjwGFCJp_nBC0zJpcRUwXk2VV4hf0iEKzS0kKeJ8OZ5qDmUPQI1ej0ADf1NvzZHO8zb5eCg6i8aNU2RlD5H3pkl05DSAQqv3XKZ2h4E=&amp;c=fzaBVLtAIA0XwvBdfqdJokSV60iKRwfeUTZrxkuj9pZiT1unwPCcyw==&amp;ch=ro2Emnhmcr7RZvz-vEZMW9UvquIpEScuRXEfzsLUlx6wR13ohR8K6g==" target="_blank">www.joinrfa.org</a>.<br>
</div>
</div>http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/1541107
http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/1541107Thu, 10 Apr 2014 00:22:50 GMTFWC to meet April 15-17 near Tallahassee<p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt"><span style="line-height:200%;font-family:'Arial','sans-serif';color:#051930;font-size:12pt">The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will meet April 15-17 at the Florida Public Safety Institute, 85 Academy Drive, Havana.</span> <span style="line-height:200%;font-family:'Arial','sans-serif';color:#051930;font-size:12pt">The Institute is west of the city of Midway on U.S. 90. Full-day business sessions Wednesday and Thursday start at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday’s half-day discussions session starts at 1 p.m.</span></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt"><span style="line-height:200%;font-family:'Arial','sans-serif';color:#051930;font-size:12pt">The public is invited to all three days and will be provided opportunities to speak.</span></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt"><span style="line-height:200%;font-family:'Arial','sans-serif';color:#051930;font-size:12pt">Highlights of the agenda include:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="line-height:200%;font-family:'Arial','sans-serif';color:#051930;font-size:12pt">Tuesday’s strategic discussions about the future of conservation: human-wildlife interaction; connecting youths to the outdoors; and increasing participation in conservation.</span></li>
<li>
<span style="line-height:200%;font-family:'Arial','sans-serif';color:#051930;font-size:12pt">Commission action Wednesday on these marine fisheries agenda items:</span>
<ul>
<li><span style="line-height:200%;font-family:'Arial','sans-serif';color:#051930;font-size:12pt">Gulf of Mexico red snapper season modifications.</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height:200%;font-family:'Arial','sans-serif';color:#051930;font-size:12pt">Sea cucumber management alternatives.</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height:200%;font-family:'Arial','sans-serif';color:#051930;font-size:12pt">Proposal for a Gulf reef-fish data reporting system.</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height:200%;font-family:'Arial','sans-serif';color:#051930;font-size:12pt">A proposal to prevent harmful, nonnative lionfish from being introduced and to facilitate removal of the predatory fish.</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height:200%;font-family:'Arial','sans-serif';color:#051930;font-size:12pt">Gulf and South Atlantic fishery management council updates.</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height:200%;font-family:'Arial','sans-serif';color:#051930;font-size:12pt">Thursday’s topics: proposed final rule amendments on the deer management units in Zone D in the western Florida Panhandle, draft amendments to alligator management, and staff reports.</span></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt"><span style="line-height:200%;font-family:'Arial','sans-serif';color:#051930;font-size:12pt">For the</span> <a href="http://links.govdelivery.com:80/track?type=click&amp;enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTQwNDA4LjMxMDU2OTIxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDE0MDQwOC4zMTA1NjkyMSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE2OTY3MTE1JmVtYWlsaWQ9bmF0aGFuaWFsam9uZXNAZ21haWwuY29tJnVzZXJpZD1uYXRoYW5pYWxqb25lc0BnbWFpbC5jb20mZmw9JmV4dHJhPU11bHRpdmFyaWF0ZUlkPSYmJg==&amp;&amp;&amp;101&amp;&amp;&amp;http://myfwc.com/about/commission/commission-meetings/2014/april/15/agenda/" target="_blank"><span style="line-height:200%;font-family:'Arial','sans-serif';font-size:12pt"><font color="#0000FF">full agenda</font></span></a><span style="line-height:200%;font-family:'Arial','sans-serif';color:#051930;font-size:12pt">, go to MyFWC.com/Commission and select “Commission Meetings.” Can’t attend meeting in person? Follow live coverage on Twitter @MyFWC and join in the conversation by using tag #FWC2014.</span> <a href="http://links.govdelivery.com:80/track?type=click&amp;enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTQwNDA4LjMxMDU2OTIxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDE0MDQwOC4zMTA1NjkyMSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE2OTY3MTE1JmVtYWlsaWQ9bmF0aGFuaWFsam9uZXNAZ21haWwuY29tJnVzZXJpZD1uYXRoYW5pYWxqb25lc0BnbWFpbC5jb20mZmw9JmV4dHJhPU11bHRpdmFyaWF0ZUlkPSYmJg==&amp;&amp;&amp;102&amp;&amp;&amp;https://twitter.com/MyFWC" target="_blank"><span style="line-height:200%;font-family:'Arial','sans-serif';font-size:12pt"><font color="#0000FF">https://twitter.com/MyFWC</font></span></a><span style="line-height:200%;font-family:'Arial','sans-serif';color:#051930;font-size:12pt">.</span></p>
<p style="text-indent:0in;margin:0in 0in 0pt"><span style="line-height:200%;font-family:'Arial','sans-serif';color:#051930;font-size:12pt">Also check the Florida Channel (</span><a href="http://links.govdelivery.com:80/track?type=click&amp;enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTQwNDA4LjMxMDU2OTIxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDE0MDQwOC4zMTA1NjkyMSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE2OTY3MTE1JmVtYWlsaWQ9bmF0aGFuaWFsam9uZXNAZ21haWwuY29tJnVzZXJpZD1uYXRoYW5pYWxqb25lc0BnbWFpbC5jb20mZmw9JmV4dHJhPU11bHRpdmFyaWF0ZUlkPSYmJg==&amp;&amp;&amp;103&amp;&amp;&amp;http://www.thefloridachannel.org/" target="_blank"><span style="line-height:200%;font-family:'Arial','sans-serif';font-size:12pt"><font color="#0000FF">www.thefloridachannel.org/</font></span></a><span style="line-height:200%;font-family:'Arial','sans-serif';color:#051930;font-size:12pt">) for possible live webcast times.</span></p>http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/1534953
http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/1534953Thu, 10 Apr 2014 00:19:18 GMTSpring means return of Spanish mackerel to north Florida waters<p style="line-height:200%;text-indent:0.5in"><span style="line-height:200%;font-family:'Arial','sans-serif';font-size:12pt">Across Florida there are signs that spring has sprung, from the fine layer of yellow pollen coating everything in the north to folks returning to the water sans wetsuit in the south. Warmer water also means the return of Spanish mackerel, a feisty fish that migrates south when the water temperature dips below 70 and should be returning to north Florida waters right about now.</span></p>
<p style="line-height:200%;text-indent:0.5in"><span style="line-height:200%;font-family:'Arial','sans-serif';font-size:12pt">Spanish mackerel are easy to catch, making them a great target for kids and those new to the sport, but their aggressive fighting behavior when on the line also makes them exciting for seasoned veterans.</span></p>
<p style="line-height:200%;text-indent:0.5in"><span style="line-height:200%;font-family:'Arial','sans-serif';font-size:12pt">Interested in catching a Spanish mackerel or two? Spring and early summer are a great time to target these fish as they move north along the coast. They frequent nearshore sandy and grassy areas, from bays to beaches and piers, but can also be caught farther offshore. Spanish mackerel typically follow baitfish, so look for areas where fish are jumping.</span></p>
<p style="line-height:200%;text-indent:0.5in"><span style="line-height:200%;font-family:'Arial','sans-serif';font-size:12pt">The main two ways to target Spanish mackerel are trolling for them (running a line behind your boat while it is in motion) and casting.</span></p>
<p style="line-height:200%;text-indent:0.5in"><span style="line-height:200%;font-family:'Arial','sans-serif';font-size:12pt">When it comes to gear, the goal is to replicate baitfish.</span></p>
<p style="line-height:200%;text-indent:0.5in"><span style="line-height:200%;font-family:'Arial','sans-serif';font-size:12pt">If you are trolling for them, many people use what is called a mackerel tree, a series of hooks on a line with pieces of tubing acting as lures near each hook followed by a trolling spoon.</span></p>
<p style="line-height:200%;text-indent:0.5in"><span style="line-height:200%;font-family:'Arial','sans-serif';font-size:12pt">If you plan to fish for Spanish mackerel by casting, then spoons, jigs or any shallow diving lure will work. Spanish mackerel are a fairly fragile fish that need to be handled carefully and quickly when catching and releasing. If your artificial lures have treble hooks on them, consider bending down all the barbs or replacing the treble hooks with single hooks. Treble hooks can cause significant damage to a fish.</span></p>
<p style="line-height:200%;text-indent:0.5in"><span style="line-height:200%;font-family:'Arial','sans-serif';font-size:12pt">Unlike some species, Spanish mackerel will go after a wide variety of artificial lures, but if you are a natural-bait fan, try threadfin herring, cigar minnows or finger-sized mullet.</span></p>
<p style="line-height:200%;text-indent:0.5in"><span style="line-height:200%;font-family:'Arial','sans-serif';font-size:12pt">Mackerel have extremely sharp teeth. So if you don’t want to lose your lure and your line, make sure to use a leader that is at least 30 pound test. Above that, a good light spinning rod with 10- to 15-pound test will be plenty to reel in the fish.</span></p>
<p style="line-height:200%;text-indent:0.5in"><span style="line-height:200%;font-family:'Arial','sans-serif';font-size:12pt">Whether or not you ever hit the daily bag limit of 15 Spanish mackerel per person in state waters, there are plenty of other fish nearby to target, such as bluefish and lady fish, which also follow bait around.</span></p>
<p style="line-height:200%;text-indent:0.5in"><span style="line-height:200%;font-family:'Arial','sans-serif';font-size:12pt">Be sure to keep a measuring device nearby. The minimum size limit for Spanish mackerel is 12 inches fork length, which is measured from the tip of the lower jaw with the mouth closed to the center of the fork in the tail. Be sure to use a straight line measurement and not a flexible tape, as this can throw off your measurement.</span></p>
<p style="line-height:200%;text-indent:0.5in"><span style="line-height:200%;font-family:'Arial','sans-serif';font-size:12pt">Size limits and bag limits help ensure the Spanish mackerel population remains sustainable for future generations. The first statewide daily bag limit was set in 1986 and was four fish per person. This was increased to five in 1991, to 10 in 1993 and to where it is today, 15, in 2000. The size limit went into effect in 1999.</span></p>
<p style="line-height:200%;text-indent:0.5in"><span style="line-height:200%;font-family:'Arial','sans-serif';font-size:12pt">Find a keeper or two? Spanish mackerel are best eaten fresh, not frozen, within the first three days of being caught. Make sure to ice them down good and keep them cold. They can be grilled, fried, baked or smoked.</span></p>
<p style="line-height:200%;text-indent:0.5in"><span style="line-height:200%;font-family:'Arial','sans-serif';font-size:12pt">Catch a really big one? The current state record is 12 pounds, caught off Fort Pierce in 1984, and the world record is 13 pounds caught in North Carolina in 1987. If you think you can beat that, visit the</span> <a href="http://links.govdelivery.com:80/track?type=click&amp;enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTQwNDA4LjMxMDUyNDMxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDE0MDQwOC4zMTA1MjQzMSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE2OTY2OTQ4JmVtYWlsaWQ9bmF0aGFuaWFsam9uZXNAZ21haWwuY29tJnVzZXJpZD1uYXRoYW5pYWxqb25lc0BnbWFpbC5jb20mZmw9JmV4dHJhPU11bHRpdmFyaWF0ZUlkPSYmJg==&amp;&amp;&amp;102&amp;&amp;&amp;http://www.igfa.org/" target="_blank"><span style="line-height:200%;font-family:'Arial','sans-serif';font-size:12pt"><font color="#0000FF">International Game Fish Association</font></span></a> <span style="line-height:200%;font-family:'Arial','sans-serif';font-size:12pt">website at IGFA.org or, for state records, visit MyFWC.com/Fishing and click on “Saltwater” and “</span><a href="http://links.govdelivery.com:80/track?type=click&amp;enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTQwNDA4LjMxMDUyNDMxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDE0MDQwOC4zMTA1MjQzMSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE2OTY2OTQ4JmVtYWlsaWQ9bmF0aGFuaWFsam9uZXNAZ21haWwuY29tJnVzZXJpZD1uYXRoYW5pYWxqb25lc0BnbWFpbC5jb20mZmw9JmV4dHJhPU11bHRpdmFyaWF0ZUlkPSYmJg==&amp;&amp;&amp;103&amp;&amp;&amp;http://www.myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/publications/slams-records/" target="_blank"><span style="line-height:200%;font-family:'Arial','sans-serif';font-size:12pt"><font color="#0000FF">Grand Slam/Fishing Records</font></span></a><span style="line-height:200%;font-family:'Arial','sans-serif';font-size:12pt">.”</span></p>
<p style="line-height:200%;text-indent:0.5in"><a href="http://links.govdelivery.com:80/track?type=click&amp;enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTQwNDA4LjMxMDUyNDMxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDE0MDQwOC4zMTA1MjQzMSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE2OTY2OTQ4JmVtYWlsaWQ9bmF0aGFuaWFsam9uZXNAZ21haWwuY29tJnVzZXJpZD1uYXRoYW5pYWxqb25lc0BnbWFpbC5jb20mZmw9JmV4dHJhPU11bHRpdmFyaWF0ZUlkPSYmJg==&amp;&amp;&amp;104&amp;&amp;&amp;http://www.myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/spanish-mackerel/" target="_blank"><span style="line-height:200%;font-family:'Arial','sans-serif';font-size:12pt"><font color="#0000FF">Learn more about Spanish mackerel</font></span></a> <span style="line-height:200%;font-family:'Arial','sans-serif';font-size:12pt">at MyFWC.com/Fishing by clicking on “Saltwater,” “Recreational Regulations” and “Mackerel, Spanish.” Email comments, questions, photos or suggestions to</span> <a href="mailto:Saltwater@MyFWC.com" target="_blank"><span style="line-height:200%;font-family:'Arial','sans-serif';font-size:12pt"><font color="#0000FF">Saltwater@MyFWC.com</font></span></a><span style="line-height:200%;font-family:'Arial','sans-serif';font-size:12pt">.</span></p>http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/1534949
http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/1534949Wed, 19 Feb 2014 16:11:52 GMTFor-hire captain, crew can soon retain recreational bag limits for certain species in Atlantic<p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">&nbsp;</p>
<p style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial', 'sans-serif'"><font size="3">The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved changes at the February Commission meeting that will allow for-hire captain and crew to retain recreational bag limits of vermilion snapper, groupers and golden tilefish in state waters of the Atlantic (including all of Monroe County for grouper species and golden tilefish).</font></span></p>
<p style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">&nbsp;</p>
<p style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial', 'sans-serif'"><font size="3">This change will make state regulations consistent with Atlantic federal regulations and will go into effect as soon as possible.</font></span></p>
<p style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">&nbsp;</p>
<p style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial', 'sans-serif'"><font size="3">Similar changes to federal rules became effective Jan. 27. The federal rule was modified because it was not effectively limiting harvest of vermilion snapper and gag grouper as originally intended and it was causing confusion because captain and crew of for-hire vessels could keep recreational bag limits of some snapper and grouper species, but not others. Additional harvest of these species by captain and crew is expected to be negligible and not negatively impact fish stocks.</font></span></p>
<p style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">&nbsp;</p>
<p style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial', 'sans-serif'"><font size="3">To</font> <a href="http://links.govdelivery.com/track?type=click&amp;enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTQwMjEzLjI4ODQwOTkxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDE0MDIxMy4yODg0MDk5MSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE2ODg2NTQxJmVtYWlsaWQ9bmF0aGFuaWFsam9uZXNAZ21haWwuY29tJnVzZXJpZD1uYXRoYW5pYWxqb25lc0BnbWFpbC5jb20mZmw9JmV4dHJhPU11bHRpdmFyaWF0ZUlkPSYmJg==&amp;&amp;&amp;101&amp;&amp;&amp;http://www.myfwc.com/about/commission/commission-meetings/2014/february/12/february/" target="_blank"><font color="#0000FF" size="3">learn more about this change</font></a><font size="3">, visit MyFWC.com/Commission and click on “Commission Meetings.” To</font> <a href="http://links.govdelivery.com/track?type=click&amp;enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTQwMjEzLjI4ODQwOTkxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDE0MDIxMy4yODg0MDk5MSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE2ODg2NTQxJmVtYWlsaWQ9bmF0aGFuaWFsam9uZXNAZ21haWwuY29tJnVzZXJpZD1uYXRoYW5pYWxqb25lc0BnbWFpbC5jb20mZmw9JmV4dHJhPU11bHRpdmFyaWF0ZUlkPSYmJg==&amp;&amp;&amp;102&amp;&amp;&amp;http://www.myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/reef-fish-overview/" target="_blank"><font color="#0000FF" size="3">learn more about snapper and grouper</font></a> <font size="3">recreational regulations, visit MyFWC.com/Fishing and click on “Saltwater Fishing,” “Recreational Regulations” and “Overview” under the “Reef Fish” header.</font></span></p>http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/1501398
http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/1501398Wed, 19 Feb 2014 16:10:08 GMTFWC proposes 2014 Gulf recreational red snapper season<p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">&nbsp;</p>
<p style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial', 'sans-serif'"><font size="3">The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) proposed 2014 Gulf recreational red snapper season dates in state waters. This proposed season will be brought back before the Commission for final approval at its <span class="aBn" tabindex="0" data-term="goog_1143944613" closure_uid_519635603="173"><span class="aQJ">April 15</span></span>-<span class="aBn" tabindex="0" data-term="goog_1143944614" closure_uid_519635603="174"><span class="aQJ">17</span></span> meeting in Tallahassee.</font></span></p>
<p style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">&nbsp;</p>
<p style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial', 'sans-serif'"><font size="3">The 2014 proposed season, if approved in April, would be 52 days long, starting the Saturday before Memorial Day, (<span class="aBn" tabindex="0" data-term="goog_1143944615" closure_uid_519635603="175"><span class="aQJ">May 24</span></span> this year) and remaining open through <span class="aBn" tabindex="0" data-term="goog_1143944616" closure_uid_519635603="176"><span class="aQJ">July 14</span></span>, closing <span class="aBn" tabindex="0" data-term="goog_1143944617" closure_uid_519635603="177"><span class="aQJ">July 15</span></span>. The Commission could choose to change the season length and dates at the April meeting. Starting the season the Saturday before Memorial Day could increase recreational fishing opportunities for anglers by giving them the chance to fish for red snapper in state waters during the holiday weekend.</font></span></p>
<p style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">&nbsp;</p>
<p style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial', 'sans-serif'"><font size="3">The federal season is scheduled to be 40 days long, starting <span class="aBn" tabindex="0" data-term="goog_1143944618" closure_uid_519635603="178"><span class="aQJ">June 1</span></span> and remaining open through <span class="aBn" tabindex="0" data-term="goog_1143944619" closure_uid_519635603="179"><span class="aQJ">July 10</span></span>. This season is subject to change if NOAA Fisheries data indicate that the recreational red snapper quota will be caught before or after the end of the federal season.</font></span></p>
<p style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">&nbsp;</p>
<p style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial', 'sans-serif'"><font size="3">State waters in the Gulf are from shore to 9 nautical miles. Federal waters extend from where state waters end out to about 200 nautical miles.</font></span></p>
<p style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">&nbsp;</p>
<p style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial', 'sans-serif'"><font size="3">To</font> <a href="http://links.govdelivery.com/track?type=click&amp;enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTQwMjEzLjI4ODQyMTQxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDE0MDIxMy4yODg0MjE0MSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE2ODg2NTkxJmVtYWlsaWQ9bmF0aGFuaWFsam9uZXNAZ21haWwuY29tJnVzZXJpZD1uYXRoYW5pYWxqb25lc0BnbWFpbC5jb20mZmw9JmV4dHJhPU11bHRpdmFyaWF0ZUlkPSYmJg==&amp;&amp;&amp;101&amp;&amp;&amp;http://www.myfwc.com/about/commission/commission-meetings/2014/february/12/february/" target="_blank"><font color="#0000FF" size="3">learn more about this agenda item</font></a><font size="3">, visit MyFWC.com/Commission and click on “Commission Meetings.” To</font> <a href="http://links.govdelivery.com/track?type=click&amp;enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTQwMjEzLjI4ODQyMTQxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDE0MDIxMy4yODg0MjE0MSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE2ODg2NTkxJmVtYWlsaWQ9bmF0aGFuaWFsam9uZXNAZ21haWwuY29tJnVzZXJpZD1uYXRoYW5pYWxqb25lc0BnbWFpbC5jb20mZmw9JmV4dHJhPU11bHRpdmFyaWF0ZUlkPSYmJg==&amp;&amp;&amp;102&amp;&amp;&amp;http://www.myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/snappers/gulf-red-snapper/" target="_blank"><font color="#0000FF" size="3">learn more about recreational red snapper</font></a> <font size="3">fishing in the Gulf of Mexico, visit MyFWC.com/Fishing and click on “Saltwater,” “Recreational Regulations” and “Gulf Snapper.”</font></span></p>http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/1501395
http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/1501395Tue, 28 Jan 2014 00:49:05 GMTSnook to reopen in Atlantic state waters<p style="line-height:200%;text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:'Century Schoolbook','serif'"><font size="3">The recreational harvest season for snook reopens on <span tabindex="0" class="aBn" data-term="goog_1383169411"><span class="aQJ">Feb. 1</span></span> in Florida’s Atlantic coastal and inland waters (from the Miami-Dade/Monroe county line north), including Lake Okeechobee and the Kissimmee River. The season will remain open through <span tabindex="0" class="aBn" data-term="goog_1383169412"><span class="aQJ">May 31</span></span>.</font></span></p>
<p style="line-height:200%;text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:'Century Schoolbook','serif'"><font size="3">In the Atlantic, anglers may keep one snook per day that is not less than 28 or more than 32 inches total length, which is measured from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed while the fish is lying on its side. A snook permit is required to keep snook, along with a saltwater fishing license unless exempt from the license requirements. Only hook-and-line gear is allowed when targeting or harvesting snook.</font></span></p>
<p style="line-height:200%;text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:'Century Schoolbook','serif'"><font size="3">It is illegal to buy or sell snook.</font></span></p>
<p style="line-height:200%;text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:'Century Schoolbook','serif'"><font size="3">Snook are one of the many reasons Florida is the Fishing Capital of the World. As a result, the FWC encourages anglers to use moderation when determining whether or not to take a snook home, even during the open season.</font></span></p>
<p style="line-height:200%;text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:'Century Schoolbook','serif'"><font size="3">Researchers ask anglers who harvest the fish to save their filleted carcasses and provide them to the FWC by dropping them off at a</font> <a href="http://links.govdelivery.com:80/track?type=click&amp;enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTQwMTI3LjI4MDc3MzMxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDE0MDEyNy4yODA3NzMzMSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE2ODU4NTgxJmVtYWlsaWQ9bmF0aGFuaWFsam9uZXNAZ21haWwuY29tJnVzZXJpZD1uYXRoYW5pYWxqb25lc0BnbWFpbC5jb20mZmw9JmV4dHJhPU11bHRpdmFyaWF0ZUlkPSYmJg==&amp;&amp;&amp;101&amp;&amp;&amp;http://myfwc.com/research/saltwater/fish/snook/anglers-help/" target="_blank"><font color="#0000FF" size="3">participating bait and tackle store</font></a><font size="3">. For the county-by-county list, go to MyFWC.com/Research and click on “Saltwater,” “Saltwater Fish,” “Snook,” and “Snook Anglers Asked to Help with Research.”</font></span></p>
<p style="line-height:200%;text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 0pt"><font size="3"><span style="font-family:'Century Schoolbook','serif'">The harvest of snook in all of Florida’s Gulf of Mexico state waters, including Everglades National Park and Monroe County, will reopen <span tabindex="0" class="aBn" data-term="goog_1383169413"><span class="aQJ">March 1</span></span>.</span> <span style="font-family:'Century Schoolbook','serif';color:windowtext">Anglers may catch and release snook during the closed season, but the FWC encourages anglers to handle and release these fish carefully</span> <span style="font-family:'Century Schoolbook','serif';color:windowtext">to help ensure their survival upon release</span><span style="font-family:'Century Schoolbook','serif'">. Proper handling methods can help ensure the species’ abundance for anglers today and generations to come. To learn more about <a href="http://links.govdelivery.com:80/track?type=click&amp;enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTQwMTI3LjI4MDc3MzMxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDE0MDEyNy4yODA3NzMzMSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE2ODU4NTgxJmVtYWlsaWQ9bmF0aGFuaWFsam9uZXNAZ21haWwuY29tJnVzZXJpZD1uYXRoYW5pYWxqb25lc0BnbWFpbC5jb20mZmw9JmV4dHJhPU11bHRpdmFyaWF0ZUlkPSYmJg==&amp;&amp;&amp;102&amp;&amp;&amp;http://www.myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/fish-handling/" target="_blank"><font color="#0000FF">fish handling</font></a>, visit MyFWC.com/Fishing and click on “Saltwater”, “Recreational Regulations” and “Fish Handling.”</span></font></p>
<p style="line-height:200%;text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family:'Century Schoolbook','serif'"><a href="http://links.govdelivery.com:80/track?type=click&amp;enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTQwMTI3LjI4MDc3MzMxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDE0MDEyNy4yODA3NzMzMSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE2ODU4NTgxJmVtYWlsaWQ9bmF0aGFuaWFsam9uZXNAZ21haWwuY29tJnVzZXJpZD1uYXRoYW5pYWxqb25lc0BnbWFpbC5jb20mZmw9JmV4dHJhPU11bHRpdmFyaWF0ZUlkPSYmJg==&amp;&amp;&amp;103&amp;&amp;&amp;http://www.myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/snook/" target="_blank"><font color="#0000FF" size="3">For more information</font></a> <font size="3">visit MyFWC.com/Fishing and click on “Saltwater,” “Recreational Regulations” and “Snook.”</font></span></p>http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/1484498
http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/1484498Wed, 22 Jan 2014 01:23:24 GMTHelping your fish survive helps you<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-size:18.0pt;font-family:&quot;Century Schoolbook&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Helping your fish survive helps you</span></p>
<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:&quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Century Schoolbook&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">By Guest Columnist Amanda Nalley</span></p>
<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:&quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:200%"><span style="font-family:&quot;Century Schoolbook&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Imagine for a minute you are out to sea, line wet, with about 150 feet of water separating boat from the bottom. You feel a tug. Instinct kicks in and you want to yank up to set the hook, but you remember that doesn’t work with circle hooks, a required gear when fishing for reef fish like snapper and grouper in all Gulf waters and in federal waters of the Atlantic south of 28 degrees north latitude. So you gently start reeling it in, hoping nothing eats your catch before you can get it to the boat.</span></p>
<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:200%"><span style="font-family:&quot;Century Schoolbook&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Alas, the fish surfaces, but it is too small to keep and it seems to be experiencing barotrauma, a condition that occurs when the gases in the swim bladder expand after being brought to the surface from depth.</span></p>
<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:200%"><span style="font-family:&quot;Century Schoolbook&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">STOP! The choices you make from here on can greatly impact whether or not that fish you are about to release survives to be caught another day. Do you know what to do?</span></p>
<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:200%"><span style="font-family:&quot;Century Schoolbook&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Post-release fish survival should be important to all anglers. The more fish that survive being caught and subsequently released, the more fish there will be in general. This can eventually mean extension of open seasons, increases in bag limits and more successful fishing trips.</span></p>
<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:200%"><span style="font-family:&quot;Century Schoolbook&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">While every situation is different, there are plenty of things you can do to help maximize the survival of fish you plan on releasing, from using wet hands when touching a fish to holding your catch horizontally. Matching your gear to the size fish you are targeting can help shorten the time it takes to get the fish to the boat, which can help a fish survive if released because it will be less exhausted.</span></p>
<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:200%"><span style="font-family:&quot;Century Schoolbook&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">If your fish is experiencing barotrauma, time is of the essence. Barotrauma can potentially cause injury to the internal organs as they are pushed out of the body (signs of this include stomach protruding from mouth, intestines protruding from the anus, eyes bulging out and bloated belly).</span></p>
<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:200%"><span style="font-family:&quot;Century Schoolbook&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">There are two main types of tools currently used to help relieve the effects of barotrauma. Venting tools are hollow, sharpened devices (think a syringe without the plunger) that can be used to release the expanded gases. Descending devices, which are used to send the fish back down to depth, also have promise.</span></p>
<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:200%"><span style="font-family:&quot;Century Schoolbook&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Until recently, it has been required to have and use venting tools when fishing for reef fish in the Gulf, but this requirement was removed in federal waters last year and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) voted to remove the requirement in state waters last November. The rule change should go in effect around the end of the month.</span></p>
<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:200%"><span style="font-family:&quot;Century Schoolbook&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">The removal of this rule will give anglers the ability to choose the best method to maximize survival of released fish.</span></p>
<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:200%"><span style="font-family:&quot;Century Schoolbook&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">For example, on a hot summer day, using a descending device might be a better option because you are quickly returning the fish to the cooler water at the bottom.</span></p>
<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:200%"><span style="font-family:&quot;Century Schoolbook&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">And while venting, when done correctly can help, not all fish need to be vented.</span></p>
<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:200%"><span style="font-family:&quot;Century Schoolbook&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Both tools have advantages and disadvantages.</span></p>
<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:200%"><span style="font-family:&quot;Century Schoolbook&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Hit a hot spot? It is possible to vent and release several fish in the same amount of time it would take to descend a single fish. Then again, not everyone feels confident on when, where and how to vent. Going too deep or venting in the wrong place can cause more damage than good.</span></p>
<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:200%"><span style="font-family:&quot;Century Schoolbook&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">But you also need to know what you are doing when using a descending device. If done incorrectly, the fish may come loose too soon. Descending devices also can require the dedication of a rod, which is used to bring the descending device down and back up again.</span></p>
<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:200%"><span style="font-family:&quot;Century Schoolbook&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">While both devices can be homemade or purchased and while both are inexpensive, descending devices can cost, on average, slightly more than venting tools. Both devices also come in various sizes, but venting tools tend to generally be smaller than descending devices and do not take up a lot of space in an already-crowded tackle box.</span></p>
<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:200%"><span style="font-family:&quot;Century Schoolbook&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Either way, the choice is yours. So shop around, be sure to read the instructions thoroughly and, hopefully, take home a keeper or two.</span></p><span style="font-family:&quot;Century Schoolbook&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">For more on</span> <span style="line-height:200%;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:&quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:200%;font-family:&quot;Century Schoolbook&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">how to make sure your fish survives release</span></span></span><span style="font-family:&quot;Century Schoolbook&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">, visit MyFWC.com/Fishing and click on “Saltwater,” “Recreational Regulations” and “Fish Handling.”</span>http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/1480423
http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/1480423Sat, 18 Jan 2014 17:52:54 GMTHelping Your Fish Survive<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><font size="3"><span style='color: black; font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif";'>By Guest Columnist Amanda Nalley</span></font></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style='color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;'>&nbsp;</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;"><font size="3"><span style='color: black; font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif";'>Imagine for a minute you are out to sea, line wet, with about 150 feet of water separating boat from the bottom. You feel a tug. Instinct kicks in and you want to yank up to set the hook, but you remember that doesn’t work with circle hooks, a required gear when fishing for reef fish like snapper and grouper in all Gulf waters and in federal waters of the Atlantic south of 28 degrees north latitude. So you gently start reeling it in, hoping nothing eats your catch before you can get it to the boat.</span></font></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;"><font size="3"><span style='color: black; font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif";'>Alas, the fish surfaces, but it is too small to keep and it seems to be experiencing barotrauma, a condition that occurs when the gases in the swim bladder expand after being brought to the surface from depth.</span></font></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;"><font size="3"><span style='color: black; font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif";'>STOP! The choices you make from here on can greatly impact whether or not that fish you are about to release survives to be caught another day. Do you know what to do?</span></font></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;"><font size="3"><span style='color: black; font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif";'>Post-release fish survival should be important to all anglers. The more fish that survive being caught and subsequently released, the more fish there will be in general. This can eventually mean extension of open seasons, increases in bag limits and more successful fishing trips.</span></font></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;"><font size="3"><span style='color: black; font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif";'>While every situation is different, there are plenty of things you can do to help maximize the survival of fish you plan on releasing, from using wet hands when touching a fish to holding your catch horizontally. Matching your gear to the size fish you are targeting can help shorten the time it takes to get the fish to the boat, which can help a fish survive if released because it will be less exhausted.</span></font></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;"><font size="3"><span style='color: black; font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif";'>If your fish is experiencing barotrauma, time is of the essence. Barotrauma can potentially cause injury to the internal organs as they are pushed out of the body (signs of this include stomach protruding from mouth, intestines protruding from the anus, eyes bulging out and bloated belly).</span></font></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;"><font size="3"><span style='color: black; font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif";'>There are two main types of tools currently used to help relieve the effects of barotrauma. Venting tools are hollow, sharpened devices (think a syringe without the plunger) that can be used to release the expanded gases. Descending devices, which are used to send the fish back down to depth, also have promise.</span></font></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;"><font size="3"><span style='color: black; font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif";'>Until recently, it has been required to have and use venting tools when fishing for reef fish in the Gulf, but this requirement was removed in federal waters last year and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) voted to remove the requirement in state waters last November. The rule change should go in effect around the end of the month.</span></font></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;"><font size="3"><span style='color: black; font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif";'>The removal of this rule will give anglers the ability to choose the best method to maximize survival of released fish.</span></font></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;"><font size="3"><span style='color: black; font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif";'>For example, on a hot summer day, using a descending device might be a better option because you are quickly returning the fish to the cooler water at the bottom.</span></font></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;"><font size="3"><span style='color: black; font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif";'>And while venting, when done correctly can help, not all fish need to be vented.</span></font></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;"><font size="3"><span style='color: black; font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif";'>Both tools have advantages and disadvantages.</span></font></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;"><font size="3"><span style='color: black; font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif";'>Hit a hot spot? It is possible to vent and release several fish in the same amount of time it would take to descend a single fish. Then again, not everyone feels confident on when, where and how to vent. Going too deep or venting in the wrong place can cause more damage than good.</span></font></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;"><font size="3"><span style='color: black; font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif";'>But you also need to know what you are doing when using a descending device. If done incorrectly, the fish may come loose too soon. Descending devices also can require the dedication of a rod, which is used to bring the descending device down and back up again.</span></font></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;"><font size="3"><span style='color: black; font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif";'>While both devices can be homemade or purchased and while both are inexpensive, descending devices can cost, on average, slightly more than venting tools. Both devices also come in various sizes, but venting tools tend to generally be smaller than descending devices and do not take up a lot of space in an already-crowded tackle box.</span></font></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;"><font size="3"><span style='color: black; font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif";'>Either way, the choice is yours. So shop around, be sure to read the instructions thoroughly and, hopefully, take home a keeper or two.</span></font></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style='color: black; font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif";'><font size="3">For more on</font></span> <span style='color: black; line-height: 200%; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;'><span><span><span style='line-height: 200%; font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif"; font-size: 12pt;'><u><font color="#0000FF">how to make sure your fish survives release</font></u></span></span></span></span><font size="3"><span style='color: black; font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif";'>, visit MyFWC.com/Fishing and click on “Saltwater,” “Recreational Regulations” and “Fish Handling.”</span></font></p>http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/1477787
http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/1477787Jeff PageFri, 03 Jan 2014 00:54:17 GMTGrouper Closes<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 18.08px; font-family: sans-serif; left: 120px; top: 275.04px; transform: rotate(0deg) scale(0.929198, 1); transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px;" data-angle="0" data-font-name="g_font_275_0" data-canvas-width="49.448805007934574"></div>
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GROUPER
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Several species close Jan. 1
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Several species of grouper close to recreational and commercial harvest Jan. 1 in state waters of the Atlantic, including all of Monroe County. The closure includes gag, black, red, yellowmouth, yellowfin and tiger grouper; scamp; red hind; rock hind; coney; and graysby.
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This season will remain closed through April 30, reopening May 1.
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A similar closure will also occur in federal waters of the Atlantic. Tiger grouper is not included in the federal closure.<br>
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Links for more information: MyFWC.com
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http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/1466991Fri, 06 Dec 2013 00:20:41 GMTFL License Free Days Set<p style="line-height:200%;text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 0pt"><span style="line-height:200%;font-family:'Century Schoolbook','serif';font-size:12pt">Beginning in 2014, all eight license-free fishing days will fall on the same weekend days from year to year, allowing potential anglers to plan fishing trips in advance and businesses and nonprofit groups to plan events around these fishing license holidays. The recurring days will be:</span></p>
<p style="line-height:200%;margin:0in 0in 0pt 1in"><strong><span style="line-height:200%;font-family:'Century Schoolbook','serif';font-size:12pt">Saltwater</span></strong></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="line-height:200%;font-family:'Century Schoolbook','serif';font-size:12pt">First Saturday and Sunday in June</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height:200%;font-family:'Century Schoolbook','serif';font-size:12pt">First Saturday in September</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height:200%;font-family:'Century Schoolbook','serif';font-size:12pt">Saturday following Thanksgiving</span></li>
</ul>
<p style="line-height:200%;margin:0in 0in 0pt 1in"><strong><span style="line-height:200%;font-family:'Century Schoolbook','serif';font-size:12pt">Freshwater</span></strong></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="line-height:200%;font-family:'Century Schoolbook','serif';font-size:12pt">First Saturday and Sunday in April</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height:200%;font-family:'Century Schoolbook','serif';font-size:12pt">Second Saturday and Sunday in June</span></li>
</ul>
<p style="line-height:200%;text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 0pt"><span style="line-height:200%;font-family:'Century Schoolbook','serif';font-size:12pt">The FWC offers several angler-recognition programs to help promote fishing and share memories. Freshwater anglers can go to</span> <span style="font-family:'Century Schoolbook','serif'"><a href="http://links.govdelivery.com:80/track?type=click&amp;enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTMxMTI2LjI1NzI1ODkxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDEzMTEyNi4yNTcyNTg5MSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE3Mzc0NzEyJmVtYWlsaWQ9bmF0aGFuaWFsam9uZXNAZ21haWwuY29tJnVzZXJpZD1uYXRoYW5pYWxqb25lc0BnbWFpbC5jb20mZmw9JmV4dHJhPU11bHRpdmFyaWF0ZUlkPSYmJg==&amp;&amp;&amp;106&amp;&amp;&amp;http://www.trophycatchflorida.com/" target="_blank"><span style="line-height:200%;font-size:12pt"><font color="#0000FF" face="Times New Roman">TrophyCatchFlorida.com</font></span></a></span> <span style="line-height:200%;font-family:'Century Schoolbook','serif';font-size:12pt">to be entered in a drawing for a bass boat and motor. If they catch, document and release a trophy largemouth bass over 8 pounds, they can submit a photo of the entire fish (head to tail) on a scale to claim great rewardsundefinedstarting with a $50 gift card, custom T-shirt and certificate. For other recreational freshwater fishes (33 species included), a simple photo of a fish that exceeds the designated minimum length or weight will get them a Big Catch certificate and bragging rights on the website.</span></p>
<p style="line-height:200%;text-indent:0.5in;margin:0in 0in 0pt"><span style="line-height:200%;font-family:'Century Schoolbook','serif';font-size:12pt">For saltwater anglers, the challenge is to catch a “slam” by catching three different species of saltwater fishes in the same day. Four different groupings of popular sport fish are included to promote the diversity of marine fisheries the state has to offer. For an application and to learn more about this</span> <span style="font-family:'Century Schoolbook','serif'"><a href="http://links.govdelivery.com:80/track?type=click&amp;enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTMxMTI2LjI1NzI1ODkxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDEzMTEyNi4yNTcyNTg5MSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE3Mzc0NzEyJmVtYWlsaWQ9bmF0aGFuaWFsam9uZXNAZ21haWwuY29tJnVzZXJpZD1uYXRoYW5pYWxqb25lc0BnbWFpbC5jb20mZmw9JmV4dHJhPU11bHRpdmFyaWF0ZUlkPSYmJg==&amp;&amp;&amp;107&amp;&amp;&amp;http://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/publications/slams-records/" target="_blank"><span style="line-height:200%;font-size:12pt"><font color="#0000FF" face="Times New Roman">program</font></span></a></span><span style="line-height:200%;font-family:'Century Schoolbook','serif';font-size:12pt">, which is conducted in collaboration with the International Game Fish Association, visit MyFWC.com/Fishing, then click saltwater and Grand Slams.</span></p>http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/1452698
http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/1452698Fri, 06 Dec 2013 00:16:24 GMTGag Grouper and Snook Closing in Gulf<h2>Gag grouper recreational harvest closes in most Gulf waters in early December</h2>
<p><br></p>
<p>Gag grouper will close for recreational harvest in most Gulf of Mexico state waters Dec. 4, with the last day of harvest being Dec. 3. All Gulf federal waters will close Dec. 3, with the last day of harvest being Dec. 2.</p>
<p><br></p>
<p>State waters off Franklin, Wakulla, Jefferson and Taylor counties were open from April 1 through June 30 and were not open during the July 1 through Dec. 3 season. Monroe County is also excluded because it follows Atlantic rules for gag grouper.</p>
<p><br></p>
<p>The FWC manages marine fish from the shore to 9 nautical miles in the Gulf of Mexico.</p>
<p>These closures are an effort to help rebuild gag grouper populations in the Gulf of Mexico back to strong sustainable levels.</p>
<p><br></p>
<p>To learn more, visit MyFWC.com/Fishing and click on “Saltwater,” “Recreational Regulations” and “Gulf Grouper.”</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Snook harvest seasonal closure in Gulf starts Dec. 1</h2>
<p><br></p>
<p>The recreational harvest season for snook closes Dec. 1 in Gulf state and federal waters, including Monroe County and Everglades National Park, and will remain closed through Feb. 28, 2014, reopening to harvest March 1, 2014. Snook can continue to be caught and released during the closed season.</p>
<p><br></p>
<p>This and other regular season closures are designed to help protect the species during vulnerable times such as cold weather. Atlantic state and federal waters including Lake Okeechobee and the Kissimmee River will close Dec. 15 through Jan. 31, 2014, reopening to harvest Feb. 1, 2014.</p>
<p><br></p>
<p>Visit MyFWC.com/Fishing and click on “Saltwater Fishing” and “Recreational Regulations” <a title="http://links.govdelivery.com/track?type=click&amp;enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTMxMTI1LjI1NjY4MTYxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDEzMTEyNS4yNTY2ODE2MSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE3MzczNDM0JmVtYWlsaWQ9d2lubnRlcnJ5QG1zbi5jb20mdXNlcmlkPXdpbm50ZXJyeUBtc24u" href="http://links.govdelivery.com/track?type=click&amp;enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTMxMTI1LjI1NjY4MTYxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDEzMTEyNS4yNTY2ODE2MSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE3MzczNDM0JmVtYWlsaWQ9d2lubnRlcnJ5QG1zbi5jb20mdXNlcmlkPXdpbm50ZXJyeUBtc24uY29tJmZsPSZleHRyYT1NdWx0aXZhcmlhdGVJZD0mJiY=&amp;&amp;&amp;101&amp;&amp;&amp;http://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/regulations/snook/" target="_blank">for more information on snook</a>.</p>http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/1452694
http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/1452694Fri, 06 Dec 2013 00:08:36 GMTVenting Tool Requirement Relief; Circle Hook & Dehooker Still in Effect<h2>Venting tool requirement removed in Gulf waters</h2>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Soon Florida anglers will no longer be required to have and use a venting tool when fishing for reef fish in Gulf of Mexico state waters.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">During its Nov. 21 meeting, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) removed the requirement in Gulf state waters, making state regulations consistent with rules in federal waters. By removing this rule, anglers will now have the freedom to determine how to best maximize survival of released reef fish using devices they feel are appropriate, depending on the circumstances.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council removed the requirement to have and use a venting tool in Gulf federal waters earlier this year.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">These changes will take effect as soon as possible. Another notice will be issued to let the public know when these changes take effect.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">When fish are brought quickly to the surface from deep water, the change in pressure can cause gases within the fish’s swim bladder to expand. This condition is called barotrauma and can cause damage to internal organs and reduce the likelihood a fish will survive when returned to the water. Typically, fish suffering from barotrauma must be treated if they are to survive and swim back down to deep water. Venting tools are used to treat barotrauma by allowing gases to escape from a fish’s body cavity. Descending devices, which bring fish back down to deeper waters, are another, more recently developed option that can now also be used to increase survival rates among fish with barotrauma. Maximizing post-release survival of fish is important in marine fisheries management because it means more fish survive to potentially reproduce and be harvested in the future.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">While venting tools can still be a useful way to increase chances of survival after being released, fish do not always need to be vented.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Venting tools were required in Gulf state and federal waters since 2008. This requirement was intended to increase survival rates of released red snapper, but applied to all species of Gulf reef fish. These tools are not required in Atlantic state or federal waters.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">The use of non-stainless steel, non-offset circle hooks and dehooking devices will still be required in state and federal Gulf waters when fishing for reef fish. These tools minimize handling times for reef fish, which aids in survival of the fish upon release.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">To learn more about</span> <a href="http://links.govdelivery.com:80/track?type=click&amp;enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTMxMTIxLjI1NTY1MTExJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDEzMTEyMS4yNTU2NTExMSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE3MzY5MjgwJmVtYWlsaWQ9bmF0aGFuaWFsam9uZXNAZ21haWwuY29tJnVzZXJpZD1uYXRoYW5pYWxqb25lc0BnbWFpbC5jb20mZmw9JmV4dHJhPU11bHRpdmFyaWF0ZUlkPSYmJg==&amp;&amp;&amp;101&amp;&amp;&amp;http://www.myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/catch-and-release/tackle-and-tools/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0000ff; font-size: medium;">recognizing barotrauma</span></a><span style="font-size: medium;">, and what to do, visit MyFWC.com/Fishing and click on “Saltwater,” “Recreational Regulations” and “Catch and Release.” Information about reef fish gear rules is available under “Recreational Regulations.”</span></p>http://www.mycfoa.com/News-Announcements/1452689
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